Stefanos Tsitsipas is playing really excellent tennis at this time of the season and seems to have rediscovered the certainties he had lost in the last twelve months. It is very evident how the triumph at the Dubai ATP 500 has also helped him from a mental point of view, allowing him to unblock himself and return to believe in his game.
In addition, the racket change has had positive effects on his tennis so far. His backhand is more solid (although his weak point remains), his shots from the baseline are more incisive and his athletic condition has significantly improved compared to a few months ago.
The Greek ace easily defeated a dangerous opponent like Matteo Berrettini in the third round of the 'BNP Paribas Open' in Indian Wells, sending a clear message to all his opponents.
Afterthe premature eliminations of Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic, the former world No. 3 could be considered as the second favorite (along with Daniil Medvedev) to win behind Carlos Alcaraz (who has lifted the trophy in the last two editions).
BerrettinipraisesTsitsipas
After their clash in California, Berrettini was also impressed by the level of Tsitsipas (who had also beaten him in Dubai after a tough battle).
The champion from Athens dominated this time, demonstrating a clear superiority over the Italian in all areas of the court.
"I must admit that he was very good. I was not able to find the right feeling in these conditions, which were very different from my previous match" - explained Berrettini.
"I'm sorry I didn't react as I would have hoped, I was never able to reverse the inertia of the match.
He gave me only one chance when he made two double faults at the end of the second set, but otherwise he was almost perfect. I congratulate him" added the former world number 6.
Stefanos will have to raise his level even further in the next round, where he will face Holger Rune for a place in the quarterfinals.
