Stefanos Tsitsipas pulls off comeback of the tournament in epic clash with Rafael Nadal

·

‘Wow’ is the only word to describe the epic clash between tennis superstars Stefanos Tsitsipas and Rafael Nadal tonight, with the Greek narrowly coming out on top 6-3 6-2 6-7 4-6 6-4.

Tsitsipas was back in yellow on the court tonight, still with no fans in the crowd, proving to be a hindrance to both players. Nadal last faced the Greek in the Australian Open in 2019, where he won in three straight sets.

Tsitsipas had a strong start to the match and showed from early on there would be no three-set shutdown. Almost pushing him to a break point, the Greek did well to capitalise on Nadal’s slower serve, only hitting 145km/hr during his service game.

Photo: Getty Images

Of course for either player, the match would be no easy road to victory. The Spaniard also threatened to break Tsitsipas multiple times during the first set, ultimately succeeding and bringing himself to a 5-3 lead. Nadal eventually went on to win the first set 6-3.

Despite a first set loss, Tsitsipas played well against the current World No. 2, who has had over 10 years of experience in the Australian Open.

Despite the Greek’s best efforts to come out strong after being a set down, the Spaniard was truly unstoppable. Nadal managed to get a break point in Tsitsipas’ first service game, securing an early set lead.

An incredible showman despite the crowd, Nadal delivered near-perfect cross-court shots that would force even Djokovic to sit down and hold his racquet in disbelief. Nadal claimed a second break point in the second set, breezing through to the third set.

Photo: Reuters

Set three saw a much closer competition between the two tennis professionals. Both players took their service games convincingly, with Tsitsipas finally bringing in his strong right arm serve.

Taking the game to a tie-breaker, both players struck hard and fierce, Tsitsipas finally looking for a lifeline to stay in this tournament. That lifeline thankfully came for the Greek, and while many people may have written him off, Tsitsipas persevered and came through to win the third set n the tie-breaker.

Tsitsipas entered the fourth set with the same passion he left the third. The Greek almost managed to take a break point in the first game, yet was held off by the Spaniard. From this point, the tide had certainly turned towards Tsitsipas’ favour. Almost every one of Nadal’s service games was challenged closely by Tsitsipas.

Tsitsipas’ efforts finally came to fruition after the Greek managed to secure a break point before his final service game. The Greek expertly finished up the set 6-4 and pushed the match into a decider fifth set.

The fifth set really showed the competitive level of both players this tournament. World class from beginning end, regardless of the result.

But at the end of the day there can only be one winner, and this winner truly proved himself tonight.

Stefanos Tsitsipas took a break point on Nadal’s final service game, and despite Tsitsipas’ service hitting a deuce, the Greek took the set and match, marking an incredible comeback.

“I don’t know what happened after the third set,” Tsitsipas said after the match.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

GOCNSW youth lead heartfelt farewell to Greek Consul General in Sydney

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW hosted a special farewell reception for the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis.

From Athens with purpose: Reflections on the Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers 2025

As the Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers 2025 drew to a close, it did so against the majestic backdrop of Athens.

Honouring Cyprus’ martyrs: Melbourne remembers the sacrifice of July 9, 1821

A hierarchical memorial service was held on Sunday, July 13, at the Holy Church of the Presentation of the Theotokos in North Balwyn.

Melbourne’s Greek community pays emotional tribute to the ‘Pontian Eagle’ Peter Jasonides

On a cold Friday night, a full hall at Alphington Grammar’s Lyceum brought warmth to those gathered to honour the life of Peter Jasonides.

Faith leaders condemn Israeli attacks on West Bank’s last Christian town

Greek Orthodox clergy in Taybeh, the only entirely Christian town in the West Bank, have condemned a wave of settler violence.

You May Also Like

Death toll rises to 17 from floods in Greece

The death toll from storm 'Daniel' has tragically reached 17 in Thessaly, police sources have confirmed through DNA laboratory tests.

Panagiotis Kikianis named on Subway Young Socceroos squad for Argentina fixtures

Subway Young Socceroos’ Head Coach, Trevor Morgan has selected a 23-player squad to travel to South America.

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari commit early to Australia’s United Cup 2025

Greece’s [12] Stefanos Tsitsipas and[9] Maria Sakkari, China’s [7] Zheng Qinwen and Norway’s [9] Casper Ruud have committed to United Cup.