Stefanos Tsitsipas became the first Greek male or female tennis player to reach the Quarter-Finals at Roland Garros with a 6-3 7-6(9) 6-2 win over Grigor Dimitrov.
Another historic milestone beckoned for Tsitsipas as he took down a spirited Dimitrov in straight sets.
It was Tsitsipas who made the quickest start as he grinded out the unforced errors from Dimitrov’s racket.
A 3-0 lead was the ideal start as his court coverage mixed with his power from the back of the court caused Dimitrov all sorts of problems.
The duo had never played before and the Bulgarian was finding it tough to battle past Tsitsipas’ defence in heavy conditions.
A lot of angles were created by both players as they looked to construct points well rather than power past their opponents.
Dimitrov was starting to figure out this solution but Tsitsipas remained firm and took the opening set 6-3, by the one break of serve.
A much more competitive second set developed as the variation between attack and defence was on show.
Dimitrov started to play smarter tennis by using the backhand slice to try and open up the court and make more consistent power off the forehand side.
This lead to more belief in Dimitrov that he could outsmart and outhit Tsitsipas in what was turning into a fascinating encounter.
A couple of half-chances came and went for Dimitrov as some clutch play from especially on the backhand saw him remain solid on serve.
A thrilling second set tiebreak would decide the second set as the Bulgarian looked to take his momentum in the tiebreak.
After losing the first three points, Dimitrov played some bold and stunning shots when up against it but was too cautious when it really mattered.
Failing to convert two set points, a forehand unforced error into the net sealed Dimitrov’s fate as he lost the second set tiebreak 10-9.
From then on it was all about Tsitsipas as he raised his level and Dimitrov’s belief, momentum and level significantly dropped.
Creating a break point on every return game, a break in the second and eighth game sealed victory in 2 and a half hours.
A stunning match from Tsitsipas, who overcame a brilliant second set from Dimitrov, to win in straight sets and become the first Greek man or Woman to reach the last eight in Paris.
Next for Tsitsipas will be a rematch from the Hamburg final as he takes on Andrey Rublev.
The Russian came back from a break down in sets two and three to beat Marton Fucsovics 6-7(4) 7-5 6-4 7-6(3) in a three hour and 58 minute battle.
When Tsitsipas and Rublev meet on Wednesday, Tsitsipas will hope to end the world number 12’s nine match winning streak.
Rublev’s last loss came against Hubert Hurkacz in Rome.
