Tsitsipas survives Kohlschreiber to advance at Olympics

Sunday, 25 July 2021 at 12:00

Stefanos Tsitsipas survived a very close match against Philipp Kohlschreiber to advance at the Tokyo Olympic Games 6-3 2-6 6-3.

It was not the best of performances by Stefanos Tsitsipas in the 1st round of the Olympic Games. The Greek player has disappointed with his level since losing the Roland Garros final and today was similar. Kohlschreiber is a savvy veteran who knows how to play tennis and he almost defeated the Greek today.

Early on it seemed like a straightforward match for Tsitsipas who was able to impose his will early. The slower courts allowed him to return balls with his backhand better than he usually can which helped him take the first set with 6-3.

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Kohlschreiber however found a way in the 2nd set as the German completely exposed Tsitsipas in the 2nd set. Stefanos fell off a cliff and lost the set fairly easily with 2-6. Some of that momentum carried on in the next set where Kohlschreiber took the early lead. He was up 2-0 but Stefanos was able to pull it back to 2-2.

That proved a decisive shift of momentum as the Greek finally found some rhythm. He reverted back to his signature style and soon was able to take the 5-3 lead. After that, he remained calm to take the final set with 6-3.

A much-needed win for Tsitispas who is struggling with his confidence and the Hamburg debacle last week did not help.

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Start as you mean to go on… @steftsitsipas becomes the first #GRE man to win an Olympic singles match since Paris 1924, beating Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3 3-6 6-3 #Tokyo2020 | #Olympics | #Tennis