Stefanos Tsitsipas showed resilience to secure a hard-fought victory over Patrick Kypson and progress to the second round of the Madrid Open.
The Greek tennis star recovered from a difficult start to defeat the American 3-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (4) in a tense three-set encounter.
Tsitsipas struggled early, conceding a break in the opening stages of the first set as Kypson raced into a commanding lead. The American maintained control throughout the set, holding serve comfortably to take a 1-0 advantage.
The second set proved more competitive, with Tsitsipas improving his shot selection and reducing unforced errors. Although unable to convert a break opportunity midway through the set, he remained composed to force a tie-break.
After building a strong lead, Tsitsipas saw Kypson fight back to level proceedings, but the Greek held his nerve to claim the tie-break 8-6 and draw level.
The deciding set followed a similar pattern, with both players holding serve and neither able to gain a decisive edge. Once again, the match went to a tie-break, where Tsitsipas made a fast start before showing composure at crucial moments to seal victory.
The win marks Tsitsipas’ first clay-court triumph of the season and ends a three-match losing streak.
Next, Tsitsipas will face Alexander Bublik in the second round of the Madrid tournament.
