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via Reuters

via Reuters

It was the battle of titans between the former World No.1, Novak Djokovic, and the Greek tennis star, Stefanos Tsitsipas for the Australian Open title; the former emerged victorious. It was a highly contrasting battle, as the Serb was vying for the record win, his 10th hard-court title at Melbourne; while the Greek was eyeing his first Grand Slam title. Though the result was in the favor of the experienced, and 21-time Grand Slam champion; winning his 22nd Grand Slam?

Though the World No.4, Tsitsipas, won’t return empty-handed from Melbourne. Other than the runner-up prize money, he also planted a seed from the experience he gained, while fighting for the season-opening Grand Slam.

Stefanos Tsitsipas takes a ‘very good lesson’ after finishing runner-up at Melbourne

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During the Australian Open finale, Tsitsipas had a slow start, as Djokovic claimed the 1st set with ease, with 6-3. But the Greek tennis sensation didn’t let this upset him, as he battled the nerves from the first set. And pushed the then 9-time Australian Open champion, to a tiebreaker, to conclude the 2nd set, which ended with 6-7, in favor of the Serb. After the 2-set loss, the Greek bravely played the last set, pushing the World No.5 to another tiebreaker, which also ended in favor of the Serbian ace; hence claiming his 10th Australian Open.

Read More: ‘Security Just Stood There’ – Stefanos Tsitsipas Going Out of His Way to Help Lady Fan Who Made a Blunder Wins Fans Hearts at Australian Open 2023

However, during the post-match press conference, World No.4 opened up about his takeaways from finishing as the runner-up at the season-opening Grand Slam. While praising Novak, he appreciated Serb’s gameplay and said, “You know, Novak is a player that pushes you to your limits. I don’t see this as a curse. I don’t see this as something, like, annoying. This is very good for the sport, to have competitors like him, to have champions like him.”

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USA Today via Reuters

While setting his sight on the top, and wanting to claim the spot, that is now acquired by Djokovic. Tsitsipas said, “He’s very important for us that want to get to his point one day. Getting our asses kicked is for sure a very good lesson every single time.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Most dramatic hard court moments involving Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and others in 2021

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The Greek tennis star, is certainly on the track to get better of the big tennis players, soon.

Do let us know your thoughts about Stefano Tsitsipas’ gameplay in the comments!