WATCH: Stefanos Tsitsipas wins hearts after distributing pre-signed autographs for his fans following second-round win at 2023 Australian Open

The “Greek God” Stefanos Tsitsipas is comfortably through to the third round of the Australian Open 2023. Besides winning matches on the court, the Greek World No.4 is winning the hearts of tennis fans as well with a never heard gesture before. After defeating Rinky Hijikata 6-3,6-0,6-2 in the second round, Tsitipas gave his pre-signed postcards to his fans instead of signing autographs. This pre-planning that is so unique is welcomed wholeheartedly by the tennis world.

The whole stadium was surprised on seeing the same. He had kept the pre-signed postcards inside the bag ready to be distributed after the win. One thing to be noted is that it was only days before, the Polish World No.1 Iga Swiatak lost her cool when some fans tried to throw big tennis balls at her for an autograph. The quick reflex saved the Polish then. The long queue to get the signed autographs is obviously tiring for both players and the fans. Hence, there are chances that this can become a new normal in tennis.

The tennis world shared the video in big numbers. Many of them called the gesture as something which shows the closeness of the Greek star with his fans. Terms like “lovely“, “genius“, and “amazing” were quoted by the fans. Many were musing about why this idea was not thought about before. Even some accounts who were trolling the Greek for his regular philosophical tweets as “copy-paste“, welcomed this gesture as something “actually new“.

Stefanos Tsitsipas looks in fine form

Stefanos Tsitsipas looks in fine touch as he won both the initial rounds of the Australián Open 2023 in straight sets. In the first round, he defeated Quentin Halys 6-3,6-4,7-6(8-6). The second-round win was rather comfortable including a bagel. The Greek was clutch on facing the breakpoints as well. Saving 5 out of 5 break points will be something he will look to capitalize on in the coming rounds.

Greek’s serve looked better in the first round where he hits 17 aces against 6 double faults. But the return game was better in the second round as he was able to break Hijikata thrice. He was offered 9 break points during the match. The ground strokes also felt to be improved in the second round. He was able to hit 30 winners against 17 unforced errors.

Tsitsipas’ best results in the Australian Open were his semi-final appearances in 2019,2021 and 2022. Last year, he fell to Daniil Medvedev in 4 sets- 6-7(5-7),6-4,4-6,1-6. This year also, he is expected to face the Russian in the semi-finals according to the projected draw since Rafael Nadal is already out.

In case you missed it!

WATCH: Thanasi Kokkinakis pokes fun at reporter who calls him ‘Kyrgios’ at the Australian Open 2023

Souvenirs at the 2023 Australian Open cost a fortune as prices of various items revealed

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW