Stefanos Tsitsipas played in the final of the Australian Open last year, but getting there again will take a few good showings, especially with Taylor Fritz waiting in the next round.
The Greek was an absolute menace at the Australian Open last year, but that shouldn't come as a surprise. He's been one of the better performers Down Under for many years, as he loves to play there.
There is a strong Greek community in Australia that showers him with support, and the conditions just suit his style of play. This year has been somewhat more shaky, but he didn't have great preparation due to the back issue that bothered him.
Fritz had some moments Down Under as well, but this year has been somewhat shaky, too. He's yet to play a match where he didn't lose at least a set, so it should be quite interesting. It should be a battle.
"Taylor has big weapons that he can execute. I need to defend well. I need to be there, involved, and ready to fight at any given moment."
Head-to-head:
Fritz and Tsitsipas played quite a few matches, and it's a pretty tight matchup. Neither player has a lead in the H2H as it's 2-2, but the most recent one was played in Monte-Carlo last year, and Fritz won it easily 6-2 6-4.
The most exciting matchup came here in Melbourne in 2022 when Tsitsipas won in five sets 4-6 6-4 4-6 6-3 6-4.
| Stefanos Tsitsipas | Taylor Fritz | |
| 2 | H2H | 2 |
| 7 | Rank | 12 |
| 25 | Age | 26 |
| 4-1 | 2024 W/L | 4-1 |
| 301-144 | Career W/L | 232-168 |
Prediction:
This is a very interesting matchup on paper and actually pretty close. Tsitsipas does have a much better record in Australia and has been trending pretty well recently. If we assume that he's healthy, then he should have the small edge, but it won't come easily.
Prediction: Stefanos Tsitsipas to win in four sets.
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