“Very Challenging Player”: Stefanos Tsitsipas Heaps Huge Praise on Andrey Rublev Ahead of French Open Clash

World No. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas hhas reached the quarterfinals of the French Open for the first time in his career. Tsitsipas saved two set points in the second set tie-break and defeated Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets in the fourth round. Tsitsipas became the first Greek player to reach the Roland Garros quarterfinals.

The 22-year-old has now won twelve successive sets after having lost the opening two sets in his first-round match against Jaume Munar. The No. 5 seed Tsitsipas will face arch-rival Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals. The duo squared off against each other in the final of the Hamburg Open recently. Rublev won that thrilling final in three sets.

During the post-match conference, Tsitsipas talked about knowing Rublev since childhood and how his opponent’s game was amazing on all fronts.

“He has improved a lot… It is very important for me to take this opportunity and fight harder this time, maybe do something better… He’s going to be difficult to play against. He has a very complete, solid game from all the departments,” said Tsitsipas.

Stefanos Tsitsipas faces a tough challenge

No. 13 seed Rublev defeated Marton Fucsovics in the fourth round in hard-fought four sets. Despite losing the opening set and being 2-5 down in the second set, Rublev clawed back to reach the quarterfinals of the French Open for the first time.

Tsitsipas admitted that facing Rublev will be an enormous challenge and talked about the duo having a similar game style. The Greek contended that he will have to be wary of Rublev’s powerful serves. The two have faced each other thrice, with Rublev leading the head-to-head 2-1.

“He has improved a lot his serve. He relies a lot on his power. He has very powerful shots. We share a similar game style, I would say mine would probably be more coming to the net, using a bit more the angles. He’s a very challenging player to play against. I think he for sure brings the best out of me when I step out on the court to play against him.” remarked Tsitsipas.

In the same draw, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has defeated Karen Khachanov in straight sets to advance to his 11th straight quarterfinal at the French Open. Djokovic will face Pablo Carreno Busta in the last eight.