Clinical world No. 4 Stefanos Tsitsipas made a spectacular dash into the Australian Open third spherical on Wednesday, clocking his sixth consecutive win of the yr in a powerful 92 minutes – a feat that’s certain to cement his place as one of many formidable forces on the event.
The 24-year-old was in a distinct league to Australian wildcard Rinky Hijikata on Rod Laver Arena, blitzing to victory 6-3, 6-0, 6-2 in a lop-sided contest.
Tsitsipas, a three-time semi-finalist at Melbourne Park, is pursuing a primary Grand Slam title and seems to be peaking on the proper time.
After profitable all 4 singles matches on the United Cup for Greece, he stays unbeaten this yr with a Dutch participant awaiting him subsequent – both Tallon Griekspoor or Botic Van de Zandschulp.
“I felt good out there, the ball was coming off the racquet really well,” mentioned Tsitsipas, who led the ATP Tour for many matches received final yr with 61.
“I enjoyed myself, I was great throughout the entire match. Always a pleasure playing at Rod Laver Arena, I have some happy memories here.”
“Whenever I’m back here it feels like home,” he added of Melbourne, which has a big Greek neighborhood. “In fact, I’m seriously thinking of maybe getting a home here one day.”
Tsitsipas dominated the winners in opposition to Hijikata 30-17 whereas committing far fewer unforced errors.
The third seed burst onto the scene on the Australian Open in 2019 when as a 20-year-old he dethroned defending champion Roger Federer within the final 16.
He went on to achieve the semi-finals that yr and once more in 2021 and 2022.
Tsitsipas is one among three gamers in Melbourne in competition for the primary world rating together with Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud. He should win the title right here to rise to the highest.
