Melbourne (AFP)
Stefanos Tsitsipas, 6th in the world and semi-finalist last year, made a spectacular entry Monday in the Australian Open by dominating in the first round the Italian Salvatore Caruso (95th) 6-0, 6-2, 6- 3.
"I did everything right. I was in my comfort zone especially after the double break in the first set, I was executing my plan to perfection", commented the Greek who will face in the 2nd round the German Philipp Kohlschreiber (79).
"There is always a little nervousness at the start of a Grand Slam tournament. You never know what to expect, what form our opponents are in," said the 21-year-old, who said he was "reassured" "by this first match during which he is satisfied to have" maintained a good level of concentration ".
"My game was there, I hope I will raise my level again and play better" the next rounds, he added, admitting to hoping to go further than last year.
"It's always what we hope for," he said, he being one of the few young players, with Daniil Medvedev and Dominic Thiem in particular, who could succeed Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on the charts. of a Grand Slam tournament.
The Big Three shared the last 12 Majors played since the Australian Open 2017.
And compared to his half of last year, clearly lost against Nadal (6-2, 6-4, 6-0) who was "much better", Tsitsipas believes to be stronger this year.
"I certainly gained in experience: last year, I was like a child looking for confidence. Now I feel much more mature, I have this confidence in myself, I don't really doubt myself ", said the winner of the end of year Masters in November in London, his greatest success to date.
© 2020 AFP