‘Consistency is the key!’ Stefanos Tsitsipas DEMOLISHES Jannik Sinner to reach the Australian Open semifinal for a second consecutive time
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Stefanos Tsitsipas
Stefanos Tsitsipas raised the level of his game when it mattered. The Greek played one of his best matches in recent times to obliterate Italian sensation Jannik Sinner in straight sets 6-3,6-4,6-2 to reach his second consecutive Australian Open semifinal.
The level at which Tsitsipas played was simple stunning. He was serving flawlessly and was taking charge of almost every rally. In the first set, he got the early break and held serve to perfection. Without breaking much sweat, Tsitsipas took the opening set 6-3.
The World No.4 carried all the momentum in the second set and once again broke Sinner upfront. The Italian looked rattled by his shot making and was at times left like a sitting duck. Midway in the set, the roof had to be shut due to light rain which altered the conditions. The match was suddenly indoor which on paper should’ve benefitted Sinner. But Tsitsipas was kind of in a hurry. We was very solid on serve and held it to win the second set 6-4.
The Italian seemed to have no answer for Tsitsipas’ magic. The Greek was playing too good and could’ve beaten anybody with this level. He once again got the early break and dominated from the baseline. He wasted no time to take another break of serve and wrapped the set 6-2.
‘My humility helped a lot today’: Tsitsipas
In the on court interview, Tsitsipas revealed the reason behind his flawless game today. He said that his ‘humility’ helped him a lot and that he focused on things he had in control.
“My humility helped a lot today. I knew I was going on the court facing a very good player. So I tried to focus on my best shots and it kind of paid off more than I thought. I’m very very happy with the way I served today. Once again stepping on court, having the crowd support was truly unbelievable,” Tsitsipas said.
Tsitsipas also spoke about how the mini interruption didn’t affect him much and said that it’s all about adapting to things. “It’s part of the game. You never know what to expect from the weather,” he said.
“I knew I was heading towards the right direction with the game I was able to create from the very beginning of the match. The conditions might have changed a little bit after the roof was closed- slightly faster, not as bouncy as before. But it just worked.”
Tsitsipas was struggling with his elbow since the end of last season and revealed that his doctor didn’t believe that he could play the Australian Open. He later added that he’s happy to prove his doctor wrong.
“I’m pretty sure my doctor is watching right now. He has been sending me texts after match. Frank- we both didn’t expect for me to participate at the Australian Open. It was not part of our plan. He certainly told me that I don’t see you playing at Australia but I proved him wrong! I got really lucky with Frank. He is a big tennis enthusiast and has worked with a lot of tennis players and I’m happy I found the right person to bring me back even stronger,” the Greek said.
Having played a semifinal on the same court last year, Tsitsipas spoke about how big matches have helped him become a better player. He spoke in length about the difference between younger players and the ones who have played big matches.
“I think matches help you evolve a lot. Not having matches in your pocket is something that newcomers, players like Jannik who has been on the tour not as long as me as I did, it’s something I’ve gained over the years. Having the opportunity to play in this kind of arena under these kind of circumstances- semifinals, finals, trying to clinch titles,” he said.
“One thing that I do learn from this is consistency is key. Trying to stay humble. Although I’m in the semifinals, this is just a beginning of everything. I don’t have to think too much and not too little as well and I got to keep the work, and be one with the fans. Let’s do it! We are in this together!”
He will now face either Daniil Medvedev or Felix Auger Aliassime in the semifinal on Friday.
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Lakshya Chopra
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