Stefanos Tsitsipas Becomes the Youngest French Open Finalist Since Rafael Nadal After Battling Past Alexander Zverev

It’s semi-finals day at the French Open with two next-gen players battling against each other to face either Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal in the finals. World number five Stefanos Tsitsipas made a second semi-final on the Roland Garros, where he faced the German Alexander Zverev.

In their previous meetings, Zverev couldn’t create an impact on the Greek’s game and managed to win just 2 out of their 7 encounters. But, both the players were in top gear on the Parisian clay this year.

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There were a lot of Greek supporters on court Philippe Chatrier cheering for Stefanos Tsitsipas to reach the French Open finals.

Coming to the match, it was Tsitsipas who took control of the proceedings with his diverse game as Zverev took a while to settle into the match. By the time the German found his game, Tsitsipas already took a two-set lead.

Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Alexander Zverev in a five-setter at French Open

Quality wise, it wasn’t the best match played by both these players. Even though Tsitsipas served well, he couldn’t dominate Zverev from the baseline at crucial moments. Zverev, on the other hand, used his huge first-serves to good effect whenever he was down in the match.

While the Greek won the first two sets, Zverev won the next two. In the deciding fifth set, the German allowed the nerves to get the better of him once again as he lost his initial service game.

With a break of serve, Tsitsipas marched through his service games. He even had 4 match point opportunities on the German’s serve at 5-3 in the fifth set. But, Zverev saved all four of them with huge first-serves once again.

Serving to win the match at 5-3, the Greek had two match points after a forehand from Zverev went long. Tsitsipas hit a huge first serve and finished the match in five, tight sets.

The Greek will await the winner of Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic in the finals of Roland Garros.

Also read: “Bullish*t Decision”: Alexander Zverev in a Heated Argument With Umpire Over a Wrong Call Against Stefanos Tsitsipas