Stefanos Tsitsipas has clinched his most high-profile victory on the Tour since April 2024 after upsetting Taylor Fritz at the United Cup.
The former world No.3 required just 80 minutes to beat Fritz 6-4, 7-5 and hand Greece the early lead in their tie with America. Tsitsipas won 80% of his first service points and, more importantly, converted two out of his three break point chances. It is the first time he has beaten a top-10 player on the Tour since winning the 2024 Monte Carlo Masters and now has a career win-loss record of 36-55.
Tsitsipas has won all of his singles matches played in this year’s team event. His over victories were over Great Britain’s Billy Harris and Japan’s Shintaro Mochizuki. The resurgence follows what was a tricky 2025 season for the Greek, who was hampered by back pain that prompted him to consider his future in the sport.
“I was fighting for the team and it was such a great match from my end,” Tsitsipas said. “It’s pretty straight forward when you are 0-1 down; I was aware of the level I needed to bring onto the court today. I felt I owed it to my team.
“Before I went to bed last night I was already visualising how the match was going to go. I was already playing it in my mind and I’m so happy to win exactly the way I planned. I was especially pleased with my serve and how I dealt with the pressure moments with a clear head.”
Despite Tsitsipas’ latest win, it failed to deter America, who battled back to level the tie with Coco Gauff breezing past Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-2. She hit just six double faults compared to the 14 she produced two days ago when she lost to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
“Definitely a much better match today,” said Gauff.
“Last match, I just tried to erase it.“
Then, in the mixed doubles, Greece fell short with Tsitsipas and Sakkari being ousted in three sets by Gauff and Christian Harrison, who prevailed 4-6, 6-4, 10-8. Team USA will now travel to Sydney for the semi-finals where they will play either hosts Australia or Poland. They are seeking to win the tournament for a third time.
