LONDON: Stefanos Tsitsipas has become the first Greek player to record a win at the ATP Finals after battling his way past nemesis Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-4, at The O2 Arena on monday.
Heading into the match, it was Medvedev who had all the momentum against his rival. Besides enjoying a stellar second half of the season, he also boasted a 5-0 head-to-head record against his opponent. Who is the youngest player in history to defeat all members of the illustrious Big Three. However, Tsitsipas managed to turn his fortunes around in London with the help of 26 winners as he dropped just five points behind his first serve without facing a single break point.
“It was one of the toughest and one of the most important victories of my career so far.” Tsitsipas commented on his latest win.
“I gave myself a big boost today. I kept fighting and believing. Everything worked pretty well.”
It has been 12 years since two players making their debut at the ATP Finals squared off against each other. 21-year-old Tsitsipas is Greece’s first-ever representative in the 49-year-old competition. Meanwhile, 23-year-old Medvedev is flying the Russian flag on the tenth anniversary of compatriots Nikolay Davydenko’s triumph.
With both players standing firm behind their serves, there was little to distinguish between them throughout the opener. After 10 games of action, only one break point occurred, which was saved by Medvedev in his opening service game. Eventually, it would be a roller-coaster tiebreaker that would separate the two. Twice Tsitsipas generated a mini-break before his rival fought back once again. Nevertheless, the Greek continued to attack en route to snatching the lead. Hitting a perfectly placed volley to claim his first set point, which was converted with the help of a Medvedev forehand crashing into the net.
The tussle continued into the second frame. Tsitsipas’ focus remained unchanged despite being slammed with a time violation and suffering a nasty on-court slip early on. Continuing to threaten, the world No.6 had two chances to break for a set and 4-3 lead, but Medvedev refused to buckle. However, two games later Tsitsipas struck again. Two consecutive Medvedev errors gifted another break to the Greek and a golden opportunity to serve the match out. A task he passed with flying colors as he hit a winning smash on his first match point.
“That last game was one of the toughest I have played until now.” He stated. “It’s not easy coming in knowing you have lost five times before (to Medvedev) but I made a deal with myself to keep trying until I do it (win).”
Tsitsipas has now won 51 matches on the tour this season. The joint-third highest along with Rafael Nadal, who he will play later in the week, and Roger Federer. Medvedev still leads with 59 victories.
