Tsitsipas beats Federer in London
Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated world number three Roger Federer of Switzerland 6-3 6-4 to reach the final of the 2019 ATP Finals in London.
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Coming into the match, Federer and Tsitsipas had faced each other three times in the past in official matches, with all of those matches taking place earlier this year. Tsitsipas got the better of Federer at the Australian Open in four sets, but the world number three beat the Greek in Dubai and also last month at his home tournament in Basel, both times in straight sets.
Today, Tsitsipas got off to an ideal start, as he raced out to an early 4-1 lead. Serving up 4-2 in the first set, the Greek fell behind 0-40, but was able to save all three consecutive break points and hold serve. Tsitsipas struggled to close out the set on serve, but ultimately won it 6-3 after having seven set points.
In the second set, the Greek got an early break to go up 2-1. However, Federer immediately broke back to level the set at 2-2. Nevertheless, Tsitsipas broke Federer’s serve in the subsequent game to go up 3-2. Tsitsipas eventually served for the match at 6-3 5-4, but trailed 15-40. The Greek would then win four consecutive points to clinch the match 6-3 6-4, and book his place in tomorrow’s final. It must be noted that Tsitsipas was almost perfect on serve in clutch moments, saving 11 of the 12 break points that he faced throughout the match.
Tsitsipas will now compete in Sunday’s final against either defending champion and world number seven Alexander Zverev of Germany, or world number five Dominic Thiem of Austria. Tsitsipas beat Zverev earlier this week in the group stage, in straight sets.
