MELBOURNE/STARNBERG, February 17, 2021
Stefanos Tsitsipas recorded a remarkable comeback win from two sets down, beating No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal of Spain on Wednesday to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open. The fifth seed from Greece struck 17 aces and won 79 per cent of his first-service points to prevail 3-6, 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-4, 7-5 under the lights on Rod Laver Arena after four hours and five minutes.
It’s your moment @steftsitsipas 🙌
An #AusOpen semifinalist once more 👊 #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/ZgLCUxBTbY
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 17, 2021
“I have no words to describe what has just happened on the court, my tennis speaks for itself,” said Tsitsipas, in an on-court interview. “It’s an unbelievable feeling to fight at such a high level and leave it out on the court. I started very nervously. I don’t know what happened after the third set. I flew like a bird and everything worked for me.”
For Nadal, the defeat marks only the second time in his career that he has lost a match after securing the first two sets.
“I focused on staying calm and holding my nerves today. I have failed to do so in some of my matches in the past,” said Tstsipas. “I stayed calm in the tight moments and I kept everything to myself. I am really happy with the attitude that I showed on the court.”
Medvedev eases past Rublev
Earlier in the day, No.4 seed Daniil Medvedev emerged victorious from the all-Russian clash with Andrey Rublev, winning 7-5, 6-3, 6-2 to reach the last four Down Under for the first time. Medvedev dominated the encounter, fired 14 aces and won 80 per cent of his first-service points to secure victory in two hours and five minutes.
“Andrey was definitely one of the favourites to go far in this tournament,” said Medvedev. “To win this match in three sets, especially [with] how physical it was, was [an] amazing level from me. I’m really happy about it…. We had some unbelievable rallies. I think the match was high quality. It’s the first time to be honest [that] I saw Andrey tired.”
Tsitsipas and Medvedev will meet for the seventh time with the Russian leading their head-to-head record 5-1.
“Medvedev plays very well and has been very consistent, with lots of consecutive wins,” said Tsitsipas of his upcoming opponent. “I need to recover and have a good ice bath. I am looking forward to the match and each match I play here is an opportunity to play my best tennis. It will be amazing to see the crowds again.”
