Changing of the guard as Roger Federer ousted by Tsitsipas
Stefanos Tsitsipas was born the year Roger Federer won the Wimbledon junior singles title. Last night the 20-year-old Greek ended the Australian Open reign of his idol.
Greek sensation Stefanos Tsitsipas last night ended the Australian Open reign of two-time defending champion Roger Federer in an audacious display of brilliant shot play at Melbourne Park.
Recognised as a rising star of the sport, the 20-year-old went head-to-head with the Swiss superstar in the opening two sets and seized the upper hand from late in the third, winning 6-7 (11) 7-6 (4) 7-5 7-6 (5) in an affair of high quality lasting three hours and 45 minutes.
It may have been an intergenerational clash, but there were elements of throwback to the great players of the past in this stellar encounter. The one-handed backhand and the variety on that wing displayed by both men was a reminder of days gone by, so too the frequency with which the rivals approached the net.
This truly was an encounter in which all of the court and every shot in their respective arsenals was deployed — and regularly in the same point — much to the delight of those watching courtside.
And in many ways the superb match provided a reminder of what is considered a pivotal moment in Federer’s grand career.
.@StefTsitsipas has been idolising Roger Federer since the age of six.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2019
At 20-years-old, he's speechless 😶#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/VOe2cfhzP0
Back at Wimbledon in 2001 when an emerging talent, Federer tackled the superstar of the sport in Pete Sampras in the fourth round. The Swiss held one title at the time, similarly to Tsitsipas last night. And Federer, too, was ranked 15 entering the clash against an ageing king.
A thriller eventuated with the Swiss prevailing 7-5 in the deciding set.
The fourth-round classic last night did not go the distance but in downing the six-time Australian Open champion, the Greek served further notice that the hype surrounding his talent is justified. “There is nothing I can describe it to. I am the happiest man on Earth right now. I cannot describe it,” Tsitsipas said.
“Roger is a legend of our sport and I have so much respect for him and he showed such good tennis over the years and I have been idolising him since the age of six. It was a dream come true just being in Rod Laver facing him.
“Winning at the end, I cannot describe it.”
"I'm the happiest man on earth right now."@StefTsitsipas #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/yakpYsfQAX
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2019
The new sensation started slowly, though the tardiness had no impact on the scoreboard. Bizarrely, he was called for two violations of the shot clock in his opening service game in a dramatic start. But that was about the only time he was slow, for his speed of shot and fleetness of foot were evident throughout.
When they played recently at the Hopman Cup, both sets went to tiebreakers, with Federer proving the steadier hand on pivotal points. That a similar set scoreline would greet their first official outing was scarcely surprising, despite the stage being significantly different, but this time it was Tsitsipas who rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
Both men held multiple set points in a first-set tiebreaker that was as tense as it was thrilling. But after a tiebreaker lasting 24 points, it was the 37-year-old with the early advantage.
Federer will rue the eight opportunities he had to break his opponent’s serve — and the match wide open — through the second set.
Federer said he 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,” he said.
Earlier, Rafael Nadal scored a ruthless straight-sets victory over Tomas Berdych 6-0 6-1 7-6 (4).
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