Stefanos Tsitsipas Survives Five Set Scare At The French Open 2020

The French Open 2020 is on its 3rd day of action. However, within the third day only it has drawn some attention towards itself. After a controversial point call this afternoon, the tournament again shot up the headlines following the 5 set thriller of Stefanos Tsitsipas. The 5th seed Greek professional was up against Jaume Munar of Spain. Failing to build up an initial resistance, Tsitsipas had a hard time in the opening round of the Roland Garros.

Stefanos Tsitsipas opened with a howler

World number 6 was the favorite to win the tie against the Spaniard. He began the set with two comfortable service holds and a break and went 3-0 up in no time. Munar claimed his first game with the second service to make it 3-1. After Tsitsipas, it was time for Munar to draw the break. The Spaniard reduced the gap by pulling out a sensational service break to make it 3-2 and further hold his service to equalize the scores 3-3.

Both the players held on to their next services to stretch the scores 4-4. Eventually, Munar displayed some exotic skills to break Stefanos’ service and then hold on to his own to take the set 6 games to 4. Stefanos Tsitsipas began the set on a strong note, but he lost his rhythm early.

The second set had the same outcome

The second set began with both the players holding on to their services. However, Munar was quick to capitalize on the Greek’s error to break his service and take the lead in the second set. Holding on to his service, Munar extended his domination as the scoreline read 3-1 in favor of the 23-year-old Spaniard.

Trailing in the second set, Tsitsipas served to edge his way back into the set. His service won him the second game of the second set. Stefanos needed to break Munar’s service to level the scores. However, Munar held on to his service and gained one step forward to make lead by 4 games to 2.

Stefanos Tsitsipas faltered once again with his service. He literally handed Munar the leash of the set by letting him break his service once again. The Spaniard did not fail to capitalize on the opportunity as he kept his nerves to take the second set 6-2.

Stefanos Tsitsipas came back to take the third set

Stefanos Tsitsipas was having a bad game so far. He was one of the most promising individuals who has the x-factor to be the next big thing in the circuit. Tsitsipas was 2 sets down against Munar and Munar was hoping to seal the win by taking the third in a trot. To think of the fact that Tsitsipas will let that happen without putting up a fight is quite whimsical.

Holding service, both the players started off on an equal footing. Without letting Munar get the better of him, Tsitsipas stepped up his game. Two consecutive service breaks along with three successful service hold saw the Greek soar ahead of his opponent. Wrapping up the third set 6-1, Tsitsipas was looking forward to his spectacular comeback.

The fourth set

The fourth set was probably the most competitive of all. Munar was a set away from proceeding into the next round. While Tsitsipas stormed in the previous set to make a stunning comeback. The fourth set saw the players locking their horns in equal footing. Two consecutive service holds saw the players tie the game 2-2 in a jiffy.

Stefanos drew the first blood by breaking Munar’s service to lead 3-2. The celebration was cut short as Munar pulled back to break his opponent’s service to level the scores 3-3. Another round of tactical tennis saw them holding on to their service to draw the game 4-4. However, Tsitsipas unleashed his incredible service and lethal returns to take the next two games including a service break to walk away with the set 6-4.

The deciding set

With both the players claiming two sets each, the match rolled onto the deciding set. The one who claims the 5th one will proceed to the next round. Proceeding with the final set, both the youngsters held on to their services for consecutive three games to take the set 3-3. Equal opportunity was drawn at the deck between the two players as both had the opportunity to clinch the final set and the match.

Making the initial move, Tsitsipas went on to break the Spaniard’s service to lead the set 4 games to 3. It was a golden opportunity for the Greek to hold on to his service and extend the lead. Executing the plan as directed, he served his way into the set to claim the 8th game of the set and set up the scores 5-3.

Munar was serving to stay in the match against Tsitsipas. He knew Tsitsipas will be looking to break and grab the set. Delaying his efforts might agitate him and open a porthole towards taking away the set from his grasp. Munar held on to his service, resisting Tsitsipas’s aggression and reduced the lead to 4-5.

The tiger is hungry when it has got the smell of the blood. Tsitsipas made a spectacular comeback to equalize and was one step away from victory. Leading the final set 5-4, he was looking comfortable to walk away with the win. However, he was wary of the fact that his loss of concentration led to the initial slip. However, he kept his nerve to edge his way past his opponent and took the final set 6-4.