AFP
Stefanos Tsitsipas blazed his approach into a primary Australian Open remaining with a 7-6(2) 6-4 6-7(6) 6-3 win over Russian 18th seed Karen Khachanov on Friday.
Greek third seed Tsitsipas, who had crashed 3 times on the semi-final stage at Melbourne Park, will play both favorite Novak Djokovic or Tommy Paul for the title.
The 2021 French Open runner-up pressured an error on the Khachanov forehand to seize an early break solely to right away give up his serve.
The pair traded breaks once more in a see-sawing opening set however Tsitsipas got here alive within the tiebreak and surged forward within the match earlier than getting his nostril in entrance within the subsequent set when Khachanov’s degree dropped.
Despite being rattled by three foot faults and two time violations on serve, Tsitsipas regarded extra comfy after wining the second set.
The 24-year-old broke Khachanov for a 2-1 lead within the third however the Russian bravely drew degree at 5-5 earlier than it went to a tiebreak.
Tsitsipas hit two very good inside-out forehands to attract roars from the gang however squandered two match factors and allowed Khachanov to take the set.
The Greek regrouped within the fourth set to go 3-0 up and completed the match in fashion to say a spot in his second Grand Slam remaining.
“I’ve been wanting for many years now to put Greek tennis on the map, and me and Maria (Sakkari) have done an incredible job,” Tsitsipas stated.
“I know it probably doesn’t mean as much for Australians because they’ve been always producing players and they’ve always had their fair share of top players but coming from a small country like Greece I’m so grateful I get some more like this.”
