Everything
Whether you were parked in front of the television like us or simply hearing about this morning, it is fair to say that last nights heated match against tennis icon Roger Federer and Greece’s number 14 seed, Stefanos Tsitsipas is one to go down in Australian Open history. Providing an entertaining match lasting just under four hours, it was 20-year-old Tsitsipas who triumphed in a shock defeat.
Spanning across a strenuous four-set match, Rod Laver Arena was at capacity on Sunday night to see the master and apprentice go head-to-head. With Federer taking out the first set in a close tie-break, Tsitsipas overcame tight and fatigue quads to come out on top with a final score of 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 7-6. While the young athlete continues his journey through the tournament, the 37-year-old Federer openly spoke out on his regrets soon after the match.
Failing to convert any of his 12 break points and racking up 55 unforced errors, the Swiss athlete seemed to be doomed from early on.
“I have massive regrets tonight … I felt like I have to win the second set,” said Federer in a press conference. “I don’t care how I do it but I have to do it. Cost me the game tonight.”
The pair have met before, with Federer admitting that he struggled to break Tsitsipas at the Hopman Cup. “I also didn’t break him at the Hopman Cup, so clearly something is wrong how I return him, what I’m trying to do,” Federer said. “He’s doing a good job to defend them. Nevertheless, it’s very frustrating.”
Federer still plans to continue his successful career, with an appearance set at the French Open.
