Next Gen star Stefanos Tsitsipas has insisted that there was nothing he could have done to his game after crashing out of the Australian Open to 32nd seed Milos Raonic.
The 2019 semi-finalist in Melbourne struggled to tame the serve of the fast-serving Canadian, who blasted his way to a surprise 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (2), victory. Throughout the encounter Tsitsipas was unable to get a single break point opportunity as a total of 19 aces was blasted past him. The Greek also produced less than half the amount of winners as Raonic with his tally being 23 against 55.
“It’s quite difficult.” Tsitsipas said about playing the world No.35. “He’s playing forehands from all over the court, and you don’t really know where you should stand exactly because he’s just so fast and just turning around, hitting those forehands.’
“His serve is great, one of the best in the game.”
“Myself, I felt a bit stupid returning his serves. I felt like I was slow. My anticipation was not there.” He added.
Admitting that he was essentially overpowered on the Margaret Court Arena, Tsitsipas described his opponents serve as ‘getting punched in the face with one shot.’ According to data from Infosys, Raonic’s first serve was 14 km/h quicker (223 to 209) than that of the world No.6. Furthermore, his second serve was 25km/h quicker (178 to 153).
Tipped as one of the players who could potentially claim their first grand slam title in 2020, Tsitsipas’ record in the majors has been lacklustre over the past 12 months. After his Melbourne breakout a year ago, he has only reached the fourth round at one out of four tournaments. Losing his opening matches at both Wimbledon and the US Open.
Trying to find an explanation for his latest loss, the Greek dismissed speculation that he is suffering from any physical issue at present. He started his season at the ATP Cup, where he lost two out of his three matches against Denis Shapovalov and Nick Kyrgios.
“I’m feeling okay. I think also with my experience last year, I had burnout twice during the year, and I found kind of a balance how to manage that and sustain and play at the same level that I have been playing. So I think it all comes with experience.” He explained.
“My body is pretty good. I don’t have anything bothering me.”
Despite the high amount of expectation placed on his shoulders, the 21-year-old insisted that the defeat hurts less than it did a year ago.
“I have learned to deal with it. Last year I wasn’t able to deal with it. I was heartbroken after my semifinal loss.” He said.
“This year is different. I’ll just keep going. I don’t know. We’ll win it next year. That’s fine (smiling).”
Tsitsipas is the third top 10 seed to exit the men’s draw in Melbourne.
In the fourth round of the tournament Raonic will play former US Open champion Marin Cilic.
