"It will happen this year": Stefanos Tsitsipas planning to get COVID-19 vaccine

FLASHBACK: Tsitsipas edges Auger-Aliassime in Cincinnati

Roland Garros finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas says he plans to get vaccinated against coronavirus this year, playing down his controversial comments on the topic a few weeks ago.

The 23-year-old from Greece created waves in Cincinnati when he said that he had not been vaccinated and did not plan to unless the ATP Tour required it.

His comments drew a rebuke from governmental officials in Greece, and Tsitsipas said this week his views were "not the best" to follow on the issue.

"I personally did not promote the vaccination," he told TV station Antenna. "I was not against vaccination. I support anyone who wants to be vaccinated."

According to recent ATP and WTA figures, around 50 percent of players on tour have been vaccinated. He's planning to join them.

"It will happen this year so that I can go to shops or restaurants," said Tsitsipas.

Tsitsipas is No. 3 in the rankings.