No Greek tragedy as Tsitsipas pushed to the limit

World No. 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas was made to fight for a third round spot at the Australian Open, eventually edging past Aussie wildcard Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-4 in Melbourne today.

267th-ranked Greek-Australian Kokkinakis, who has been plagued with injury throughout his career, looked set to cause an upset when he forced the match into a fifth set, after winning an amazing tiebreak, but Tsitsipas eventually prevailed in the fifth game and held on to win a match that lasted four hours and 32 minutes.

Thanasi Kokkinakis reacts after his match against Stefanos Tsitsipas. Photo: Tennis Australia/ JAY TOWN

“I just want to have an ice bath right now,” said an exhausted Tsitsipas after the win.

“He is a great competitor, a great fighter and it was very difficult facing him today. He has a great serve and all the weapons from the baseline.

“Was a hell of a day.”

Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrates his victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis on Rod Laver Arena. Photo: Tennis Australia/ MARK PETERSON

Tsitispas will meet Sweden’s Mikael Ymer for a place in the fourth round.

Peter Rowe

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