Stefanos Tsitsipas has found himself with a fortunate turn of events at the 2023 Miami Open, advancing to the next round without stepping onto the court.
Aiming to regain his top form after a series of disappointing performances, Tsitsipas was handed a walkover in his opening match when his opponent, experienced French player Richard Gasquet, withdrew at the last minute.
Tsitsipas, who had an incredible run at the 2023 Australian Open, ultimately losing to the legendary Novak Djokovic in the final, has since struggled to maintain momentum. Following early exits in both Rotterdam and Indian Wells, the Greek was eager to turn the tide and make a strong showing in Miami.
However, the unexpected withdrawal of Gasquet, though unfortunate for the Frenchman, may prove to be a blessing in disguise for Tsitsipas. Recently plagued by an injury, the Greek player can now enjoy some extra recovery time before taking to the court for his first match in Miami.
In a pre-tournament interview, Tsitsipas expressed his desire for a pain-free performance, stating:
"Everything is getting better and I'm heading toward the right direction. [I hope] to play pain-free and just be able to step out there and show something different than Indian Wells because Indian Wells was a big struggle... I hope I get to play with more of an element of fun on the court and not think too much about my arm."
In the first round of the tournament, his scheduled second-round opponent Gasquet defeated Christopher O'Connell 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, and could have presented a demanding challenge for the second-seeded Tsitsipas at the tournament.
But now, with a bit of extra rest and a renewed mindset, Tsitsipas may just find the spark he needs to reignite his season and delight spectators with his unique blend of skill and passion on the court.
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