Stefanos Tsitsipas reached the 3rd round of the French Open after playing an extremely convincing match against Pablos Cuevas. The Greek sensation demolished his Uruguayan friend in straight set in what was his fastest win in a slam (88 minutes). Another young tennis sensation, Denis Shapovalov, didn’t have the same nice experience on Thursday after he lost an epic 5-setter in 5 hours against a coriaceous Roberto Carballes Baena.
The Hawk-Eye controversy
In his 2nd round defeat, Denis Shapovalov was heavily penalized by an incorrect call. During a crucial rally, a ball stricken by Carballes Baena was called in with Shapovalov losing the point. Denis was unimpressed by the call and he asked the chair umpire to have a look at the mark, but the called did stand. The Hawk-Eye is not used on clay, but it is still possible for the home viewers to have a look at it and see if a ball was indeed in or out. Eventually, Shapovalov was right, but the point was still awarded to his opponent. If the Hawk-Eye would have been consulted the Canadian had the opportunity to serve 2 consecutive match points. Eventually, Denis lost the following point as he was still rattled by the incorrect call to then lose the entire match.
A similar episode happened to Martina Trevisan that was facing Coco Gauff, but eventually the Italian ended up winning that match.
When will we have Hawkeye on clay? @atptour @rolandgarros pic.twitter.com/neTqwglkbD
— Denis Shapovalov (@denis_shapo) October 1, 2020
https://twitter.com/AnnaK_4ever/status/1311388458334793728?s=20
Tsitsipas’ opinion
During the press conference that followed his 2nd round, Stefanos was asked to express his opinion on the fact that the Hawk-Eye is not used on clay. He commented:
“For sure it’s time for Hawk-Eye on clay. I don’t understand why they haven’t proceeded. But if technology allows us to do far beyond more things that, yeah, current knowledge allows us, I do believe they should implement that into tennis. Doesn’t really matter the surface. That’s innovation, and we have to keep growing and keep adding new things to the sport that will help make the sport better and more fair.
So I fully support that there should be Hawk-Eye in every surface on tennis, regardless of whether it’s clay or grass. I know it does leave a mark, but sometimes it’s not as accurate as people think it is.”
Tsitsipas at the French Open, ranking, and results in 2020
Now the world no.6, the Greek has a 22-9 win-loss record in 2020. The Greek is currently competing at the French Open where he toppled Jaume Antoni Munar Clar 4-6 2-6 6-1 6-4 6-4 and Pablo Cuevas 6-1 6-4 6-2.
Stefanos Tsitsipas will play Bedene in the 3rd round. The head to head is 1-0 for Bedene.
The Greek conquered 1 title in 2020 in Marseille. Tsitsipas was the finalist in Dubai and in Hamburg.
Tsitsipas won 5 titles in his career: 1 on clay courts and 4 on indoor courts. (See the list of his titles)
Denis Shapovalov in 2020
Ranked no.11, Shapovalov played his last match on the 1st of October when he capitulated to Roberto Carballes Baena 7-5 6-75 6-3 3-6 8-6 in the 2nd round of the French Open.
Denis Shapovalov’s best accomplishment of the present season was reaching the semi-finals in Rome.
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Denis Shapovalov played each other 4 times. The head to head is 3-1 for Shapovalov. The last time that they squared off, Denis Shapovalov won 7-66 7-64 in the round robin in Brisbane, Perth, Sydney (ATP Cup) on the 3rd of January 2020.
In the video below you can watch the highlights.
Trevisan at the French Open, ranking, and results in 2020
Now the world no.159, Trevisan has a 14-8 win-loss record in 2020. Trevisan is currently playing at the French Open where she bested Sachia Vickery 4-6 6-2 6-3, Asia Muhammad 6-3 6-4, Astra Sharma 6-1 6-1, Camila Giorgi 7-5 3-0 ret. and Cori Gauff 4-6 6-2 7-5.
Martina Trevisan will fight against Sakkari in the 3rd round. They have never played each other so far in top competitions.
