Tsitsipas brothers suffer disappointing defeat to US pair in Australian Open doubles

·

Tsitsipas brothers Stefanos and Petros suffered a disappointing defeat to US pair Mackenzie McDonald and Tommy Paul in the first round of the Australian Open doubles, losing 6-4 3-6 6-4.

While Stefanos played only last night, defeating Frenchman Gilles Simon in straight sets, Petros has not played since participating in a pro circuit in Tunisia last year. Clearly the more inexperienced player on the court at only 20-years-old, Petros was guided by his brother as the two communicated through hushed tones.

The two were unlucky to give away two break points to the Americans in the first set. Despite narrowing the gap and looking to make a comeback, the pair suffered a 6-4 set-loss.

A token of the American success in the first set was largely due to the strong serve by Mackenzie McDonald, who is ranked 192nd in the world ATP rankings. Stefanos’ serve is also to be commended however, claiming four aces in the first set.

The two Greeks still seemed in high spirits after the first set, cheered on by Greek attendees in the crowd. Stefanos stood out from the court decked in bright yellow this afternoon, as opposed to his brother who styled the Hellenic blue and white look.

The two teams played game-for-game in the second set, with neither side looking to give out. That is, until Petros Tsitsipas stepped up to the plate and helped earn the Greek duo a break point, eventually giving them a 5-3 lead. The Greeks cleaned up the second set 3-6 to bring the game into a decider third set.

READ MORE: Emotional victory for Thanasi Kokkinakis as he prepares to face Tsitsipas in second round
READ MORE: Stefanos Tsitsipas cruises through first round of the Australian Open

The Greeks had an impressive 85 percent first serve win percentage after the conclusion of the second set.

While the third set started off well for Tsitsipas brothers, the match took a turn after the US duo earned a break point. From there, the two Greeks couldn’t regain their footing, losing points from unforced errors.

Aces turned to repeated double faults for the Greeks. The Tsitsipas brothers saw a spark of hope late in the set, earning a break point against their opponents to tighten the gap, yet unfortunately couldn’t bring the set any closer. The match finished 6-4 3-6 6-3 in favour of Mackenzie McDonald and Tommy Paul.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Valentine’s Day, Greek Style: Two couples reflect on love, family and tradition

This year, The Greek Herald decided to speak with two Greek Australian couples from across the nation to ask them how they met.

‘It’s Story Time’ with Sophia Amarandos: A mini dating series on finding love

Sophia Amarandos is on her very own Bridget Jones-esque quest to find love, no matter how many glasses of wine and awkward dinners it takes.

Macquarie University leads the way in Greek Language Certificate awards ceremony

Over 200 people attended the award ceremony of the Certificates of Attainment in Greek Language 2024 that took place at Macquarie University.

Taste of the Aegean: Meet the Greek foodies bringing flavour to Antipodes 2025

This year’s Antipodes Festival is celebrating Greek culture and food with 'Taste of the Aegean,' proudly supported by The Greek Herald.

Inner West Hawks FC kick off 2025 season with memorable launch event

The Inner West Hawks FC officially launched their 2025 season with a vibrant celebration at Club Five Dock RSL on Wednesday, February 12.

You May Also Like

Olympiacos crowned Greek soccer champions for a record 47th time

Olympiacos retained its Greek soccer crown on Wednesday, winning yet another Super League title against rivals PAOK.

George Averoff: Greece’s greatest national benefactor

George Averoff was a Greek businessman and one of Greece's greatest national benefactors. On this day in 1899, he passed away.

Kytherians in Australia to be interviewed for new documentary

A new documentary will feature stories of people who migrated from Kythera to Australia in the 20th and early 21st century.