Stefanos Tsitsipas not taking Carlos Alcaraz for granted ahead of US Open clash

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Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas admitted he had a bit of difficulties finding his game in the third set against Adrian Mannarino but he was happy that he managed to overcame the Frenchman in three sets. Tsitsipas, seeded at No.

3, handed a 6-3 6-4 6-7 (4) 6-0 loss to Mannarino to progress into the US Open third round. “I had a great start in the first and second set, taking the lead early. Did everything tactically kind of correct. Had gained that momentum from the beginning of both sets.

It felt like I was just comfortable, performing at my best,” Tsitsipas said, per the ATP website. “In the third I had difficulties to find that game, that momentum, as I did in the first and second. I think he also kind of loosened up a little bit.

“The tie-break was a close, very close battle, in which he prevailed I think [because he had] less unforced errors than me”.

Tsitsipas and Mannarino played under the closed roof

"I could hear [the rain]. At first I thought it was the crowd, just people talking on the back seats," Tsitsipas said.

"I just realised it was not the crowd, it was the rain. Just a lot of noise coming from up there... I do have a bed here, so I might have a sleepover here tonight." Tsitsipas plays next against rising Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz.

The Greek has tipped Alcaraz to be a contender for Grand Slam titles in the future. "He's a young talent that has been doing very well recently. He's been constantly improving, getting up in the [FedEx ATP] Rankings. I think he is someone that has a good game for all surfaces," Tsitsipas said.

"I want to play the best of my game against him. I see him as a potential contender in the future for Grand Slam titles and other big events."