Stefanos Tsitsipas Squanders Six Match Points Against Borna Coric as He Bows Out of US Open 2020

Stefanos Tsitsipas lost six match points and his chance at a maiden Grand Slam title run at the US Open 2020 after losing in an epic third-round clash to Borna Coric. Coric showed nerves of steel to eventually win 6-7(2), 6-4, 4-6, 7-5, 7-6(4) in a contest that had many shifts in momentum

The world number six, Tsitsipas, had one of the nerviest displays of his career, in the fourth set. As many as six match points went begging for him, including four on his own serve.

Tsitsipas took to Twitter moments after the match to express his frustration.

4th set: Multiple match-points go begging for Stefanos Tsitsipas

With a two-sets-to-one lead after three tough sets, Tsitsipas was cruising in the fourth set. With Coric trailing 1-5, 0-30, and Tsitsipas just two points away from victory, it all seemed a matter of formalities. That is when the match turned on its head. Coric held for 5-2 and broke Tsitsipas in the next game.

However, Tsitsipas still had the security of an extra break of serve. Coric then went 15-40 down to hand Tsitsipas two match points. Coric once again stepped up to the occasion, saved those match points, and forced Tsitsipas to serve for the match.

Stefanos Tsitsipas now well and truly had the match on his racquet as he went 40-0 up. His service game completely unraveled from there, as Coric saved the three match-points, and then a fourth. Soon, he leveled the match, much to Tsitsipas’ shock and frustration.

Coric held again, and Tsitsipas was suddenly serving to stay in the set. He once again lost his nerve and his serve, and then the set, as a deciding set beckoned.

5th set: Coric continues to deny Tsitsipas

The same trend continued in the fifth set. Tsitsipas broke early for a 3-2 lead and led 40-15 on serve. Once again, Coric denied Tsitsipas from an improbable situation and broke back. He then held for 4-3 in the decider and for the first in the match, Tsitsipas fell behind the eight ball. This time he held.

The ninth game was once again a game of seesaw from both players. Tsitsipas yet again could not capitalize on multiple chances. Coric held after saving three break-points.

Both players then held on to force a tie-breaker, which Coric eventually won as he did not let Tsitsipas get any momentum.

Earlier, Tsitsipas took the first set in another tie-breaker, before Coric came back to level the match. Tsitsipas then took the lead, winning the third set 6-4.

This loss will be very hard to take for one of the title contenders Stefanos Tsitsipas.