5 Thoughts on Tsitsipas’ Win Over Federer

Stefanos Tsitsipas knocked out Roger Federer in 4 sets in 4 sets at the Australian Open. Here are some of my thoughts on Federer’s shock loss.

  1. Federer didn’t play too badly.  Tsitsipas was just too good.  As Federer himself said, he couldn’t break Tsitsipas’ serve at the Hopman Cup and he could couldn’t break at Melbourne.  Clearly there is something about the Greek’s game that bothers Federer. 
  2. With this loss, Federer has not reached the semifinals of the last four grand slams.  Writing his tennis obituary has been fool’s errand but his results haven’t been stellar by his standards.
  3. Federer announced that he will be playing the French Open this year.  I was surprised by his decision.  Federer said, “It’s a bit of a desire. I’m in a phase where I want to have fun and I’ve missed not doing it,” he told reporters of the French Open. “I don’t feel it is necessary to have a big break again.”  Has Federer lost the fire in his belly?  Is he playing for fun and not for winning?
  4. I have a feeling that 2020  may be Federer’s last year on tour.  He may call it a career after the 2020 Olympics.
  5. Federer has played exceptionally well for someone his age.  But age catches up with everyone sooner or later.  
Continue Reading5 Thoughts on Tsitsipas’ Win Over Federer

Tsitsipas Beats Federer for Dream Win

Roger Federer has been knocked out of the year’s Australian Open, beaten by a little known Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas  in four tight sets. Tsitsipas defeated  Federer 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 7-6.

“I am the happiest man on Earth right now,” Tsitsipas said after the match. “Roger is a legend in our sport. I have so much respect for him he showed such good tennis. “I have idolised him since the age of six. It was a dream come true for me just to be on Rod Laver facing him and winning against him I cannot describe it.”

Federer acknowledged that he lost to a better player, saying ”  “I lost to a better player who was playing very well tonight. Hung in there, gave himself chances at some point, stayed calm. It’s not always easy,  especially for younger guys. Credit to him for taking
care of that.

Federer also saw himself in the Greek: “He has a one-handed backhand and I used to have long hair, too. Yeah, so maybe a little bit, sure. He has more of a continental grip than players nowadays. Sure, that’s a bit more my way than, let’s say Rafa”.

In other matches, Rafael Nadal was his ruthless best and easily beat Tomas Berdych 6-0 6-1 7-6(4).

Women’s world number 15 Ashleigh Barty recorded an incredible 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 comeback victory in Melbourne over Maria Sharapova.  Sharapova tooks a somewhat controversial bathroom break between second and third set but didn’t help change the momentum in the match.

Continue ReadingTsitsipas Beats Federer for Dream Win