Tsitsipas at home in Australian Open Demolition

On Wednesday, clinical world number four Stefanos Tsitsipas won his sixth consecutive victory to race into the third round of the Australian Open in just 92 seconds.

The 24-year-old was competing in a different category to Rinky Hijikata (Australian wildcard) at Rod Laver Arena. He won by a score of 6-3, 6-, 6-2 in an extremely close match.

Tsitsipas was a three time semi-finalist at Melbourne Park. He is now aiming for a Grand Slam title.

He won all four singles matches at United Cup for Greece and is unbeaten this year. Next up, he will be playing against a Dutch player — Tallon Griekspoor oder Botic van der Zandschulp.

Tsitsipas said, “I felt good out on there, the ball was coming off of the racquet very well,” and was the ATP Tour’s leader in most matches won last season with 61.

“I had a lot of fun and was very good throughout the match. It was always a pleasure to play at Rod Laver Arena. I have many happy memories.

“Whenever I return here it feels like home,” he said of Melbourne, which is home to a large Greek community. “In fact I am seriously considering buying a home here someday.”

Tsitsipas defeated Hijikata 30-17, while making far fewer errors.

In 2019, the Australian Open saw the third seed emerge on the scene. He defeated Roger Federer, the defending champion, in the last 16 when he was 20 years old.

He made it to the semi-finals again that year, as well as in 2021 and 2022.

Tsitsipas is among three Melbourne players who are in contention for the number 1 ranking, along with Novak Djokovic (Novak Djokovic) and Casper Ruud. To rise to the top, he must win this title.

mp/pst