Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, number 4 in the world, qualified for the 4th round of the Australian Open after defeating Frenchman Benoît Paire 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (2/7) and 6-4 on Saturday.
Despite losing a set, the Greek was very solid on his serve and did not concede a single break, losing only the third set in the tie break.
“I am very satisfied with the victory. Benoît is one of the most difficult players to beat because he is very talented and he has tennis inside,” said the Greek after his triumph, a semifinalist in Melbourne last year.
In the round of 16, Tsitsipas will face the American Taylor Fritz (N.22), who this Saturday also defeated the Spanish Roberto Bautista (N.18), 6-0, 3-6, 3-6, 6-4 and 6-3.
“We have shared courts since we were kids and it has improved a lot in recent times,” Tsitsipas declared of his next opponent.
ig/mdm/mcd
www.elfinancierocr.com