Stefanos Tsitsipas expressed frustration and reflection after his unexpected first-round exit at the Australian Open on Monday, January 13, admitting that he felt “karma hit me” following his loss to American Alex Michelsen.
The Greek star, who reached the final in Melbourne in 2023, was defeated 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 by the 18-year-old wildcard.
Tsitsipas had withdrawn from doubles play with his brother Petros, hoping to conserve energy for a deep run in singles. “My whole (plan) was to try to go deep. I knew the first thing I had to consider was not playing doubles,” Tsitsipas explained.
“The whole purpose was just to save up on some energy and be fresher hopefully in the deeper draw of the tournament. I guess karma hit me.”
According to 7 News, the 26-year-old acknowledged that his mindset and the game itself had changed. “When I came around in 2018, the game was very different. It wasn’t as physical,” Tsitsipas said.
Despite winning the ace count 13-8 and edging Michelsen in overall winners 46-45, Tsitsipas struggled to capitalise on key moments. Michelsen, in contrast, produced three critical return winners in the decisive ninth game of the fourth set to seal the win.
Source: 7 News.
