The Greek Stefanos Tsitsipasfinalist of the 2023 Australian Open against the Serbian Novak Djokovichad a warm start to the new edition of the first Grand Slam of the year.
The world number seven explained that part of his false start was due to a change in opponent. I was ready to go into the tournament with the dangerous Italian in mind Matteo Berrettinibut he was sidelined with an ankle injury and the Belgian was brought on Zizou Bergs24 years old and number 129 in the ranking.
Tsitsipas plans to change plans against an opponent he has never faced on the main circuit, the precedent between them in 2017 at the previous stage, in Antwerp. The Greek won, 6-0 and 6-3, as he also finished in Melbourne once he put his tennis in its place.
He won 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 and 6-3 in 2h.59′. Qualifying for the second round, against an Australian, the survivor of the duel in between Jordan Thompson and Aleksandar Vukic.
The first duel of Chillies He will remain, however, in the image of the tournament, because he delivered a blow that will remain on the global summary of shocking moments in the tournament.
“It was an extraordinary shot, I don’t even know how I did it,” Tsitsipas said honestly, commenting on the action. “For a second I thought, when I saw his volley, that I should prepare for the next point. But I didn’t give up, I tried and I think it was the point that turned the game.”
It happened when Chillies He lost 5-7, 1-0, this point gave him the ‘break’ of 2-0 which gave him peace of mind and sowed doubt to Zizou Berg who was amazed by what he saw, he did not expect the Greek reaction.
It came on a volley with retroactive effect from the Belgian. He put faith and many feet Chillies, but also the skill and reflexes to hit the only possible way, towards the umpire’s chair, and avoiding contact with the net through the final pirouette. Genius.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
