Greek rising star Stefanos Tsitsipas is hoping that his straight sets loss to Roger Federer at the Hopman Cup will help him when they meet at the Australian Open on Sunday.
The world No.15 became the first man from his country to reach the fourth round of a grand slam multiple times after dismissing Nikoloz Basilashvili in four sets. Tsitsipas overcame a second set blip to prevail 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(7), 6-4, in just under three hours. Blasting 18 aces and 36 winners past his Georgian rival. The reward for his win is a clash with 20-time grand slam champion Federer.
“I learned a lot since my last match with him.” The 20-year-old said ahead of his match against the world No.3.
“I know the patterns that he’s using a bit better now. He’s serving really well, so I’m going to have to utilize his, and take advantage of my returns as much as possible.
“ I’m pretty sure he’s going to be serving well, so my return games need to be aggressive and pressing a lot.”
Tsitsipas had previously expressed his admiration for the 37-year-old. Once saying that Federer was the player ‘he respects the most on the tour.’ Growing up, he used to watch YouTube videos of the Swiss player in action as he took on the likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Now at the age of 20, instead of watching him, he is playing him.
“If I think about it now it’s insane, I’m in this position where I can actually play him. It’s really emotional.” The Greek player reflected.
“He’s a legend of our sport. It will be a great day facing him in one of the best arenas, Rod Laver. I’m really excited for that match.”
The admiration between the two players isn’t just a one-way system. Federer also praised Tsitsipas during his press conference. The defending champion downed Taylor Fritz in his third round match. This year he is bidding to win a record 21st major title and a 100th on the ATP Tour. In the Open Era, only Jimmy Connors has won more titles than Federer with 109 trophies to his name.
“I’m happy for him. He’s playing so well, and I’m looking forward to the matchup with him.” Federer said of Tsitsipas. “I think it’s going to be a good one. I like how he mixes up his game and also comes to the net. So will I. I think we will see some athletic attacking tennis being played.”
Should he get a shock win in the next round, Tsitsipas would become the Greek man to reach a grand slam quarter-final in the Open Era.
