Nicolas JARRY stuns Stefanos TSITSIPAS in thrilling Rome Open match and makes first Masters 1000 semifinal appearance

Nicolas Jarry (No. 24) defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 and advanced to the semifinals of the Rome Open for the first time in his career. The Chilean had never reached the semifinals of a Masters 1000 before, making history for Chilean tennis by joining his compatriot Alejandro Tabilo (No. 29) into the last 4.

The Chilean arrived in Rome with three consecutive defeats in the clay swing, but quietly progressed through the rounds of the tournament. Now he staged a remarkable comeback from a set down against the Greek and extended his head-to-head record to 4-2. In the semifinals, he will challenge the American Tommy Paul.

Dominant start for Tsitsipas

In the first set, Tsitsipas displayed a lot of confidence in his shots, had no trouble with his service, and was better from the return than his opponent. In the 4th game, Tsitsipas seized his first break point opportunity to take a 3-1 lead.

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In the 6th game, Jarry held a long game, saving four break points against him, but it wasn't of much help as the Chilean couldn't pressure his opponent from the return. Tsitsipas had an impressive 75% first serve percentage, winning 76% of them, and faced no break points against him, while his opponent was at 69%, winning 63% of them, and saved 4 out of 5 break points against him.

As usual, the Chilean maintained a high pace in his shots, with 13 winners and 9 unforced errors compared to his rival's 6 winners and 4 unforced errors. The Greek, on the other hand, showed greater consistency, especially in serving, and ultimately took the set 6-3, being superior to his opponent.

Jarry shows resilience to start the comeback

In the second set, Jarry managed to reduce the differences by minimizing his unforced errors (3) and comfortably holding his service games. The Chilean won 74% of the service points, compared to the Greek's 63%, who began to struggle with Jarry's speedy returns.

Jarry leads the head-to-head with Tsitsipas 4-2, today he secured his first victory on clay.

Throughout the set, both had to save some break points against them but maintained equality. With the score at 5-5, Jarry faced two break points while serving, but he navigated through the delicate moment with his serve, and a couple of minutes later, Tsitsipas felt the pressure, and Jarry capitalized on the break point to take the set 7-5.

The Greek kept his composure better throughout the set, but Jarry managed to stay alive and took the break at the most crucial moment. With the start of the third set, the pressure intensified from both sides. Tsitsipas took the break in the third game but quickly surrendered his service in the next game.

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Both managed their service games well until the final moments of the set. The Greek was serving at 4-5 down, and Jarry showcased his best level dominating with the forehand, had several break opportunities, and finally, on his fourth match point, secured one of the most important victories of his career with a 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 triumph.

His next opponent will be Tommy Paul (No. 16), who reached his first clay Masters semifinal and defeated Hubert Hurkacz (No. 9) 7-5, 3-6, 6-3. The American had previously defeated the 2023 champion Daniil Medvedev. At the moment, Jarry leads the head-to-head as he won the only previous encounter in the second round of the 2023 French Open.

ESPN Tenis

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