Tsitsipas makes Greek history as he advances to French Open semi final

·

Stefanos Tsitsipas is a French Open semifinalist for the first time after a straight sets win against Andrey Rublev in the quarter final.

World number six Tsitsipas, who will face top seed Novak Djokovic or Pablo Carreno Busta on Friday, made light work of his Russian opponent, taking just under two hours to win 7-5 6-2 6-3. 

It puts Tsitsipas – the first player from his nation to make it this far in Paris – into his second career grand slam semi-final, following his run to the last four in the Australian Open in 2019.

The 22-year-old, who claimed 43 points on his first serve, won 16 of the final 21 games to thwart any comeback hopes for Rublev.

“I have been feeling really comfortable playing on this court,” Tsitsipas told a limited number of spectators on Court Philippe-Chatrier after his triumph.

“Despite not having a good start and being a break down, I remembered what a big fighter I am. It’s about fighting and trying to find solutions in difficult moments.”

Tsitsipas conceded the first break in an intense opener, with Rublev striking to go 3-2 up, but the 13th seed could not hold his nerve when serving for the set and an overhit forehand handed the ATP Finals champion a reprieve.

Another sloppy Rublev forehand gifted Tsitsipas the first set, and several unforced errors from the Russian followed in the second as the fifth seed upped the pressure.

A wonderful drop-shot gave Tsitsipas a first match point on Rublev’s serve, though he failed to convert it.

Yet victory was assured in the next game, with Tsitsipas rounding off a supreme display with a clinical forehand volley.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Capturing legacies: The proika exhibition’s emotional tribute to Greek migrants

On Wednesday, November 20, the proika exhibition opened to a crowd of eager guests at the Thematikos x MBO Tailors creative space.

Golden Era Gala: A reunion with a cause to combat brain and rare cancers

White Pearl Foundation and Cquence Foundation have announced the Golden Era Gala to be held at the Hyatt Regency Sydney on November 30.

Melbourne scientist Steven Petratos offers hope to thousands with multiple sclerosis

The image of Steven Petratos’ grandfather, confined to a chair with trembling hands, left an indelible mark on his childhood.

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett to launch book on Nick Thyssen’s legacy

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett, supporter of Greece and its diaspora, will launch the biography of Nick Thyssen (Nikos Theodosiadis).

Ithacans in Melbourne enjoy sell-out film screening to support archaeological preservation

On Sunday, at Palace Como in Melbourne, a sell-out crowd of 135 Ithacans and friends gathered to see the historical epic, The Return.

You May Also Like

Wildfires continue as Greece cracks down on arsonists

Firefighters continue to battle the flames throughout Greece, as Minister Vassilis Kikilias announces acts of arson added to the devastation.

Clayton Church: How the Clayton Community together with Archbishop Makarios healed a century long schism

Clayton's Greek Orthodoxy, as well as Australia's, celebrated a historical event today (Thursday 12/12) and yesterday (Wednesday (11/12), as Archbishop Makarios officially marks the end of the Holy Temple of St Spyridon's (Clayton, VIC) schism from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.

Jim Tsouvalas slams Adelaide City Council’s rejection of football pitch upgrades

Jim Tsouvalas has slammed a decision by Adelaide City Council to reject a request by Adelaide Comets FC to upgrade its home ground.