EXCLUSIVE: 'Vulnerability' about third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas tempers Australian Open expectations
Stefanos Tsitsipas may be the third seed in the men's draw at this year's Australian Open, but Roger Rasheed says the Greek is showing signs of vulnerability.
Speaking on Stan Sport's Grand Slam Daily, Lleyton Hewitt's former coach labelled Tsitsipas "fun to watch" but open to an upset.
The 24-year-old is still on the search for his maiden grand slam success.
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In 2021, he made the final at Roland Garros only to go down to Novak Djokovic in a five set thriller.
Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrates first round win at the Australian Open. Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Tsitsipas has thrice made the semi-final of the Australian Open (2019, 2021, 2022).
Heading into this year's grand slam, only Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud have higher seedings.
Tsitsipas beat Quentin Halys of France in straight sets on Monday and will face Australia's Rinky Hijikata on Wednesday in the second round.
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"Pretty clean, there's no doubt about that," said Rasheed of Tsitsipas' opening performance.
"He hit the ball well and moved well. I'm just looking at what their court position is like and if they're going through the gears, because it's not full throttle in the first match, but it's about going through the gears and I like that.
"Is he one of the big ones that can win? He's the third seed. I still think there's a bit of vulnerability with Stefanos, but he's fun to watch."
Tsitsipas looked at ease in his first match and offered a jovial interview, leaning into some iconic Australian slang.
"Yeah, crikey! That was a rip-snorter mate," he said, much to the amusement of the crowd courtside.
"Really glad to be playing flat out like a lizard in the water.
"I'm going full in. I'm committing. I'm practicing, I'm practicing," he laughed when asked about the slang.
"Happy I got the biscuit in the end. It was great."
"I'm happy to be back in Australia. It's one of my favourite places to be playing tennis," he added.
"I'm committing to the slang. I don't do that often, I don't commit to that as often when I travel, but I'm really liking every single time when I'm back here.
"I get to see some of my cousins and it feels like home here. It's great being back, it's great getting support like this."
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