Stefanos Tsitsipas edges Thanasi Kokkinakis to reach Australian Open R3

World no. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas is through to the Australian Open third round following a hard-fought 6-7, 6-4, 6-1, 6-7, 6-4 victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis in four hours and 32 minutes.

The Aussie created only three break chances in the entire clash, failing to convert any and working hard to grab these two sets and remain in contention. On the other hand, Tsitsipas seized five out of 22 break opportunities, staying calm when he needed that the most and moving into the next round.

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The opening set lasted for over an hour, and it went into a tie break after they saved all break points. Matching the rival's pace, Kokkinakis saved two set points in game ten and won the breaker 7-5 with a late mini-break. Tsitsipas lost only five points behind the initial shot in set number two, keeping the pressure on the Aussie and scoring a break at 1-1 that carried the set for him following a comfortable hold in game ten.

The Greek served at only 32% in set number three, but no one could notice that on the court. Kokkinakis wasted the only break chance in game two and gave the serve away thrice to lose it 6-1 and push Tsitsipas closer to the finish line. Stefanos produced six fantastic holds in set number four, seeking a chance on the return that would carry him through.

Instead of that, Thanasi gave his everything to stay in touch, saving a match point at 4-5 and winning the breaker 7-5 to force a decider. The better-ranked player was not to be denied, though, delivering one good hold after another and earning a break at 2-2 that carried him over the top and into the third round.

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