Stefanos Tsitsipas is through to the next round of the Mexican Open in Acapulco after a strong performance against Roman Safiullin.
Tsitsipas is playing his second consecutive tournament in Mexico, after also playing in Los Cabos last week. This will be followed by the Indian Wells Open next week, but Tsitsipas is not concerned by his hectic schedule.
Last year's Australian Open runner-up also had some clear and vocal support in the crowd during this match. This may be due to Tsitsipas' gesture for victims of Hurricane Ortis that struck Acapulco last year.
On paper, Safiullin was a difficult challenge for Tsitsipas. The Russian has a powerful and formidable game when it is working, and he also beat the Greek No. 1 in their only meeting back in 2022.
However, Tsitsipas reminded those watching with this performance why he was in the Top 10 for so long and reached two Grand Slam finals.
Tsitsipas looked the more comfortable of the two players from the start. Safiullin had to save two break points in his opening service game, but that resistance was broken when the Tsitsipas broke to make it 4-2.
The 2021 French Open runner-up dropped his level slightly to hand Safiullin a break point in the next game but Tsitsipas managed to fend off that pressure. He went on to claim the opening set 6-3.
Safiullin needed a response. He did start brightly by winning his first two service games for the loss of just one point. It seemed like he had a chance to build a platform and try and put Tsitsipas under some pressure.
However, those hopes were dashed in the fifth game of the set. A string of errors from Safiullin's forehand meant Tsitsipas broke again and took firm control of this contest at the Mexican Open.
The result was never in doubt from there. Tsitsipas did not face any more break points on his serve and easily served out the match to triumph 6-3 6-4 after an impressive performance.
0 Comments