Google News Stefanos Tsitsipas' Giant-Killing Act: Overcoming Roger Federer to Create a Legacy
by JOVICA ILIC | VIEW 724
Stefanos Tsitsipas made a breakthrough in 2018, cracking the top-15 and wrapping up the year with the NextGen ATP Finals crown. The young Greek gained a boost ahead of 2019, entering the Australian Open with his eyes set on a deep run.
Stefanos played well in Melbourne and ousted Matteo Berrettini, Viktor Troicki and Nikoloz Basilashvili to advance into the last 16 and arrange the clash against his idol Roger Federer. The youth met experience at Rod Laver Arena, and Tsitsipas prevailed in a battle of one-handed backhands.
The Greek overpowered the Swiss 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 7-6 in three hours and 45 minutes of thrilling tennis to dethrone the legend and move into the last eight. Stefanos would reach the semi-final, always smiling while thinking about that Australian Open.
Tsitsipas fired 20 aces against a two-time defending champion and produced unreal clutch when it mattered the most. The young gun defended all 12 break chances and challenged Federer to repeat that. The veteran gave his everything, taking the opener before losing ground in the closing stages of the following three sets to hit the exit door.
Tsitsipas delivered the only break in the third set's closing stages and prevailed in one of the most exciting duels of the season. Stefanos earned his triumph in the shortest points up to four strokes, as nothing separated them in the more extended rallies.
Stefanos Tsitsipas prevailed over Roger Federer at the 2019 Australian Open.
Despite his vast experience and numerous tight matches over the past two decades, Roger could not continue where he left off in the opener, falling in the decisive moments to propel the youngster through.
The Swiss sent a forehand long at 5-5 in the fourth set's tie break, and the Greek sealed the deal after forcing the opponent's error in the following point for a massive celebration. Federer would win the next two encounters against Tsitsipas in Dubai and Basel, and their fourth and final match came at the end of 2019, with the Greek scoring a win at the ATP Finals for 2-2 in their head-to-head meetings.
"Melbourne 2019 was a dream come true for me. Having a chance to play Roger Federer at Rod Laver Arena and reaching the first Major semi-final felt unreal. Those memories will always bring a massive smile to my face," Stefanos Tsitsipas said.
