Stefanos Tsitsipas has ended Novak Djokovic’s seven-match winning streak at the Shanghai Masters to reach the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time in his career.
The world No.7 overcame some stern resistance from across the court to prevail 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, at the Masters 1000 tournament on Friday. Tsitsipas is the youngest player in history to have scored wins over every member of the big three by the age of 21. Having also previously defeating Djokovic at the 2018 Rogers Cup. In their latest clash, Tsitsipas hit 34 winners to 22 unforced errors and won 83% of his first service points.
“I was a bit worried at the beginning of the match because I haven’t been great since the moment I woke up.” Tsitsipas said during his on-court interview. “I wasn’t sure how my body would adjust to this new challenge.”
“I’m glad that I managed to find some spare energy and give it my all.” He added.
It was a dream start for the defending champion who raced out to a 3-0 lead in just seven minutes. Capitalising on Tsitsipas’ early match nerves. The early offensive by Djokovic was enough to guide him through the opening as the level of his opponent started to rise. Saving a break point whilst leading 4-2, Djokovic race clinched his first set point two games later. Doing so with the help of a serve out wide. The lead was then sealed after a Tsitsipas backhand slammed into the net on the following point.
There was no one-way start in the second frame with both players matching each other game-by-game during what was a high-level contest. Djokovic was tested at 2-3 when he was forced to save two consecutive break points before fighting back to draw level. However, a relentless Tsitsipas refused to buckle as he forced proceedings a decider. A Djokovic double fault handed him his first set point, which he converted thanks to another error from across the court.
Rapidly gaining in momentum, Tsitsipas continued to prove problematic for the 16-time grand slam champion. Breaking for a 3-1 lead in the decider after a Djokovic forehand drifted wide. Continuing to demonstrate some of his best tennis, the Greek refused to let the world No.1 back into the match. Tasked with serving for the win, two aces helped him to a trio of match points. Tsitsipas managed to triumph on the third of those after hitting a smash at the net.
“Novak wasn’t an easy task. I know that I had to go beyond my limits. It was a great match by me. As for Novak, he gave a great fight.”
There is a double celebration for Tsitsipas, who last won a title back in May at the Estoril Open. Today he has officially qualified for the season-ending ATP Finals in London. Becoming the first player from his country to ever do so. He is the sixth player to officially qualify for the event, which is held at The O2 Arena in London. Only two spots remain.
Tsitsipas secured his place in London after Fabio Fognini lost to his next opponent. In the semi-finals he will take on third seed Daniil Medvedev. A player who is bidding to reach his sixth consecutive final on the ATP Tour since Wimbledon. Medvedev disposed of Fognini 6-3, 7-6(4). Claiming his 57th win of the season, which is more than any other player on the men’s tour.
“It was a great match and a great level of tennis. Especially after yesterday where I felt I could have done a lot of things better.” Said Medvedev, who has now won his past 15 quarter-final matches.
In their head-to-head Tsitsipas trails the Russian 0-4. Although he has taken a set off Medvedev in each of those encounters.
“He has played great tennis and it isn’t easy facing him because he plays very difficult tennis.“ He previewed about the upcoming clash on Saturday.
It is the first time Tsitsipas has defeated a world No.1 player in his career.
