Stefanos Tsitsipas happy with his start to season

Prime-ranked Greek tennis participant Stefanos Tsitsipas was happy with the way in which he kicked off his 2021 season on the ATP Cup. Tsitsipas, ranked at No. 6 on the planet, defeated dwelling favourite Alex de Minaur 6-3 7-5 within the second rubber of the Greece and Australia tie.

Tsitsipas blew an early first-set break however broke de Minaur as soon as once more within the sixth recreation after which held on to his serve for the remainder of the set to win the opener. Within the second set, Tsitsipas saved two set factors on his serve within the tenth recreation.

Tsitsipas then broke de Minaur within the eleventh recreation and served out for the match a recreation later. “The win counts very a lot, and I believe it was an incredible begin for me enjoying ATP Cup,” Tsitsipas stated, per the ATP web site.

“I managed to remain calm and resilient after I needed to and took my probabilities on the very finish of the second set, which was crucial.”

De Minaur drew positives from his loss to Tsitsipas

“It was an in depth match,” stated De Minaur.

“I had my alternatives. It was there to be taken. I did not really feel like I performed these factors effectively. I am pleased with my stage. Now it is nearly tweaking a few issues going ahead and hopefully being prepared for the Australian Open.

It was wonderful to play in entrance of the house crowd, which is one thing I’ve undoubtedly missed for a 12 months now.” Australian John Millman beat Greek Michail Pervolarakis within the opening rubber of the tie. Tsitsipas then beat de Minaur within the second rubber to pressure a decider.

Within the deciding rubber, John Friends and Luke Saville defeated Tsitsipas and Pervolarakis to provide Australia their first win at this 12 months’s ATP Cup. “Each time you play for the inexperienced and gold, and play together with your mates, it’s quite a lot of enjoyable,” Friends stated.