The Colombian Daniel Galán achieved on Monday the most important victory of his career, by defeating the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipasnumber 5 in the world, in the first round of the US Open.
Gallant, number 94 in rank, defeated Tsitsipas 6-0, 6-1, 3-6 and 7-5 against a rival who squandered eight match points before surrendering.
The Colombian was victorious after a battle of more than two and a half hours and sealed the first victory of his life against a rival part of the ‘top-20’.
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In his all-time debut in the US Open main draw, and with the Louis Armstrong court turning his back on him, Galán is the star of a unique performance and from a start that left the spectators speechless.
He won the first two sets losing just one game against a rival who had just played in the Masters 1,000 final in Cincinnati, succumbing to Croatian Borna Coric.
He did so by playing solid, deep tennis, pushing Tsitsipas to the limit, who complained of shoulder discomfort during the match.
Born in Bucaramanga in 1996, Galán is experiencing the best moments of his career and entered this month one of the hundred best players in the world ranking.
He entered the main draw after making it through the qualifying round undefeated. and this Monday he showed, in addition to his technical skills, also mental strength.
He needed it to stop Tsitsipas’ momentum, particularly after the Greek reacted and won the third set 6-3, regaining sensation and confidence.
He knew how to start from scratch in the fourth set after Tsitsipas broke his serve in the first game. He regained the break in the eighth and, with 5-4 in the light, he reached his first match points.
However, with Tsitsipas serving, the Colombian failed to convert and wasted up to five in that game.
The Greek was proud, but Galán, once again, showed personality and he nullified two break points with the score at 5-5 to take a 6-5 lead.
His commitment was rewarded in the following game, when he earned another four match points and managed to convert the last one to protect his great victory at a 7-5.
More than two and a half hours passed and Galán can hardly believe it for a victory that launches him into the second roundwhere he will face Australian Jordan Thompson, number 102 in the world ranking.
“I’m super happy, I don’t know how to explain my feelings. I entered the game well and I had a lot of fun“, he said in the interview at the foot of the field, still in awe of his victory.
“It’s incredible, we train every day, we wake up early every day to play on these stages. I’m super happy to do everything so well,” he added.
This victory was the most prestigious of the Colombian player’s career, which also guaranteed himself a $121,000 check.
The US Open will be held from this Monday to September 11 in New York, with Russian Daniil Medvedev as the current champion.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
