Stefanos Tsitsipas, the world’s number four, did not drop a service game as he defeated Benoit Paire to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open on Saturday.
On a sultry Rod Laver Arena, the Greek was on course for a straight-sets victory until he lost a tiebreak to the Frenchman. He went on to win 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (2/7), 6-4 in 2hr 42min.
In the quarter-finals, Tsitsipas will face Taylor Fritz after the American beat Spanish 15th seed Roberto Bautista Agut to qualify.
Tsitsipas has reached the semi-finals in Melbourne twice, but has yet to win a Grand Slam.
“I’m pleased with the way I fought at the end,” he said.
“Although he did not have to work as hard as I did for the points, my patience and consistency paid off in the end.”
Tsitsipas was pleased with the victory, saying that his French opponent, ranked 56th in the world, was one of the biggest talents in our game.
“This was a very special moment for me today since it was my first victory on this arena.”
Serving strongly, Tsitsipas won 89 percent of his first serve points and had 21 aces. He defeated Paire at the Grand Slam for the first time.
When asked about his next opponent Fritz, Tsitsipas said: “Big server, big hitter. He has weapons. I’ve played with him before. I will have to stay consistent and keep pressing him.”
“As far as my shots and my serve go, I will have to remain consistent as well as stay focused when I am given some opportunities in that match,” Tsitsipas concluded.
The Greek player became the first to reach a Grand Slam final when he lost to Novak Djokovic in last year’s French Open final after leading by two sets.
During his two previous trips to the Australian Open semi-finals, he beat both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
