Tsitsipas blames “sore arm” for loss against Canada on Day 1 of ATP Cup

·

Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas has complained of an arm irritation after Denis Shapovalov pulled off the ATP Cup’s first upset to seal victory for Canada in their opening clash in Brisbane on Friday.

The big serving left-hander upstaged world No.6 Tsitsipas 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (7-4) to give Canada an unbeatable 2-0 lead in their tie before securing a clean-sweep with a doubles win in the inaugural 28-team tournament to be played across Brisbane, Sydney and Perth.

All eyes were on 21-year-old Tsitsipas in Brisbane though, who arrived at Pat Rafter Arena as tennis’ hottest property after becoming the youngest person in 18 years to clinch the ATP Finals in November.

However, world No.15 Shapovalov had the measure of the 2019 Australian Open semi-finalist to extend his career head to head record to 3-1.

Shapovalov, 20, fired down 12 aces to the Greek’s two and thrashed 32 winners compared to his opponent’s 19 in their clash which lasted more than two hours.

“He had an unbelievable end to the season and he’s definitely one of the top players in the world right now,” the Canadian said.

“So to beat a guy like this first match of the year, it’s really special for me.”

Shapovalov’s momentum was only stalled when a line umpire tripped and injured herself mid-point in the second set and had to be helped off the court in a wheelchair.

Tsitsipas had his own injury concerns though, complaining of an “irritation” before pulling out of the doubles.

“I didn’t feel good, to be honest,” he said.

“I woke up a bit sore in my arm and I was being a little bit stressed before the match because I didn’t know if I’m going to be able to serve, but I served okay.

“My fighting spirit and the soul I put on the court is more important than – injuries can also affect your performance – but it didn’t quite affect it today too much.”

Still buzzing from featuring in their maiden Davis Cup final in November, Canada had a dream start when world No.21 Felix Auger-Aliassime overpowered Michail Pervolarakis – ranked 466 places lower than his opponent – in straight sets in little over an hour.

Sourced via The West.

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

Greece moves to ban protests at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, sparking outcry

Greece’s government has proposed a ban on protests at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the monument outside Parliament in Athens.

Greek music legend Dionysis Savvopoulos dies at 80

Renowned Greek singer-songwriter Dionysis Savvopoulos passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80 following cardiac arrest.

‘Compassion, community and purpose’ define the 2025 Jenny Souris Foundation Gala

The Jenny Souris Foundation Gala returned on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, with heart and purpose, drawing around 300 guests.

Thousands attend inaugural Brunswick Greek Festival

Thousands of people attended the Brunswick Greek Festival which was organised and run by the St Eleftherios Albion Street Brunswick parish.

St John’s church in Carlton hosts annual celebration for Patron Saint of police officers

The annual celebration of Saint Artemios’ feast day is one of the key events on the Victoria Hellenic Police Association (VHPA) calendar.

You May Also Like

Kazantzakis in Marrickville: A bold revival of Columbus at Sydney’s Hellenic Art Theatre

Stavros Economidis, founder of Hellenic Art Theatre, had his reasons for choosing to perform ‘Christopher Columbus by Nikos Kazantzakis’.

Life of Byron: A story of struggle, strength and a clash of modernity with tradition

The Life of Byron was a journey which resonated with me from the start. A story of struggle, strength & a clash of modernity with tradition.

Greek Super League honours Ange Postecoglou for historic Europa League win

On the sidelines of the 2025–26 Super League draw, league president Vangelis Marinakis presented Ange Postecoglou with an honorary award.