Stefanos Tsitsipas is preparing for his eighthAustralian Open main draw. The Greek hopes for a deep run in Melbourne, calling it a 'home Major' due to a massive support from the Greek community. World no. 11 knows how to play well at the Australian Open.
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He reached three semi-finals before reaching the title clash in 2023 where he fell to Novak Djokovic in just under three hours. Tsitsipas draws the positive vibes from the partisan crowd,finding his comfort zone and A-game.
The Greek finished the previous season outside the top-10. Stefanos conquered the Monte Carlo Masters but struggled to repeat that at other notable events. The former world no. 3 worked hard during the off-season, preparing for the first Major of the new season.
While it was not always easy due to fatigue and tiredness, Tsitsipas believed he did a good job. Hehopesto implement those improvements and display them in Melbourne. Stefanos debuted in the main draw in 2018, falling to Denis Shapovalov in the first round.
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He bounced back a year later and ousted Roger Federer en route to the semi-final! The young gun faced Rafael Nadal and fell in straight sets after losing steam. The Greek served revenge in 2021, toppling the Spaniard from two sets to love down and reaching the last four.
However, Daniil Medvedev prevented him from reaching the title clash. The same rivals met in the same round a year later, and the Russian celebrated in four sets, leaving Tsitsipas with his third Australian Open semi-final.
The Greek stepped in and made an extra push in 2023. He defeated Jannik Sinner in five sets and overpowered Karen Khachanov for his first title match Down Under. Stefanos faced Novak Djokovic and experienced a 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 loss.
The Greek fought well after the opening set, pushing the legend to the limits and squandering a set point that could have prolonged the battle. After three consecutive deep runs at a 'home Major,' Tsitsipas failed to reach the quarter-final last year.
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He faced Taylor Fritz in the fourth round and fell 7-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3in three hours. They stayed neck and neck in the opening two sets before the American stepped in, taking sets three and four and arranging the Novak Djokovic clash.
Stefanos will face the young American Alex Michelsen in the first round next week ahead of potential duels against Karen Khachanov and the home favorite, Alex de Minaur.
"I can not wait to start the Australian Open - it's like my home Major. It's an overseas trip, and it still gives me the vibes of home and makes me feel good within my comfort zone. The Greek community in Melbourne makes me feel good on the court. They give me rewards and support in difficult moments, which makes my Australian Open experience more exciting. I worked hard during the off-season. I was committed and patient. Of course, it requires physical effort, fatigue and tiredness, but I overcame that. I hope to compete at a high level in Melbourne, like in the previous years," Stefanos Tsitsipas said.
