TSITSIPAS. Why beating Novak Djokovic in Shanghai was special

Stefanos Tsitsipas has improved his form in the Asian swing of the ATP tour. The 21-year-old had started the year in fine form, reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open. He defeated Roger Federer at the tournament but lost to Rafael Nadal in the semifinal. He then struggled in Europe and at the US Open after playing well in Australia.

Wins over “The Big Three”

The Greek defeated Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters on Friday. The 21-year-old recovered from a set down to defeat the Serbian 3-6 7-5 6-3. He described the win as the greatest comeback of his career. The win was his first victory over the world number one. The Serbian was a heavy favorite to win the tournament. He had reached the semifinals at all the previous Shanghai Masters tournaments he had played in.

Tsitsipas recent struggles from Wimbledon

Tsitsipas struggled on the grass court this season. He did not advance past the quarterfinals in the tournaments leading up to Wimbledon. He lost to Felix Auger Aliassime at the Queens Club Championships in the quarterfinals. He then suffered a first round exit at Wimbledon, losing to Thomas Fabbiano. His form did not improve in the summer. After reaching the semi-finals of the Washington Open, he suffered early exits at the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Masters. At the US Open, he again failed to get past the first round, losing to Andrey Rublev. He, however, has improved his performances in Asia.

Tsitsipas qualified for the ATP Finals in London

The Greek’s victory over Djokovic confirmed his qualification for the ATP Finals in London, scheduled for 10^th-17^th November. At the beginning of the year, the 21-year-old had set some goals for himself. He had expressed his desire to reach the semifinals of a Grand Slam, break into the top ten, win a Masters ATP1000 tournament, and qualify for the ATP Finals. He has now achieved three of his four goals for the year. After reaching the semifinals in Australia, he broke into the top ten in March. He is now seventh on the ATP rankings. His latest victory in Shanghai means he will make his first appearance at the finals.

Stefanos commented:

“Well, it’s great [to have qualified for the finals]. I was a bit surprised when the journalist told me that I qualified. I didn’t think of it when I came out of the court, and it was a good little surprise. Made me feel even better.

It’s great. It’s sweet. It’s something that I have been trying to get, and it was in my bucket list from the beginning of the year, so I’m glad I secured my spot in the Nitto Finals, and I feel like it’s going to be a great show and a great atmosphere for all of us, for all the players that will be competing in that special celebration, special event taking place in London.”

Tsitsipas in Shanghai, ranking, and results in 2019

Ranked no.7, Tsitsipas has a 44-21 win-loss record in 2019. Tsitsipas is now competing in Shanghai where he defeated Felix Auger Aliassime 7-6³ 7-6³, Hubert Hurkacz 7-5 3-6 7-6⁵ and Novak Djokovic 3-6 7-5 6-3.

The Greek conquered 2 titles in 2019 in Marseille and in Estoril. The Greek was the finalist in Dubai, in Madrid and in Beijing.

Novak Djokovic’s ranking and performance in 2019

Currently ranked no.1, Djokovic played his last match on the 11^th of October when he had to bow to Stefanos Tsitsipas 3-6 7-5 6-3 in the quarter in Shanghai.

This year Djokovic has a 48-9 win-loss record. The Serbian clinched 4 titles in 2019 at the Australian Open, in Madrid, in Wimbledon and in Tokyo. Novak was the finalist in Rome.

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Novak Djokovic played each other 3 times. The head to head is 2-1 for Tsitsipas.

The last time that they squared off, Stefanos Tsitsipas won 3-6 7-5 6-3 in the quarter in Shanghai in 11^th October 2019.

Here the highlights.