Tsitsipas logically takes the door
He hoped to have more fun in Miami than in Indian Wells. Not sure that Stefanos Tsitsipas really succeeded. He certainly spent two laps more than in California, taking advantage of the withdrawal of Richard Gasquet before having difficulty with Cristian Garin, but the Greek was still far from his best level. And he was able to verify it at his expense during his round of 16 loss on Tuesday against Karen Khachanov in two sets (7-6, 6-4) and 1h34 of play. The Russian will find Francisco Cerundolo or Lorenzo Sonego in the quarter.
ATP Miami
Alcaraz without pity, Rune, Fritz and Rublev also spin in the 8th finals
03/26/2023 At 6:03 PM
Tsitsipas did not completely miss his subject. He is even the only one to have obtained break points (two at 3-3) during the first set. But he did not know how to concretize them and gave up this first act in the tie-break mainly because of unforced errors on the forehand side. Marked by the turn of events and handicapped by a first ball not present enough (58% against 73% for his opponent), the Greek finally conceded the only break of the match at 2-2 in the second set.
The addition could even have been more salty if he had not saved a double break ball at 7-6, 4-2. But he could not avoid his first defeat against the Russian, whom he had beaten in the semi-finals in Melbourne in January, in seven confrontations. Can’t wait for the return to clay for the defending champion in Monte-Carlo.
Fritz assures without shaking, Rune disappoints again
No worries for Taylor Fritz! The American easily disposed of the young Danish nugget Holger Rune, seeded number 7, in the round of 16 of the Miami Masters 1000, victory in two sets: 6-3 6-4. The experience of the 10th player in the world spoke this Tuesday against his opponent, who was rather nervous at the end of the innings. First quarter-final in Miami for Taylor Fritz, who will face the winner of the match between the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, world number 1 and the American Tommy Paul.
Fritz has finally been able to pass the stage of the round of 16 in Miami, a real glass ceiling in the last two editions. However, nothing guaranteed him a place in the top 8 of the tournament. His opponent of the day: the fiery Dane Holger Rune, 19, who discovered the main draw this year. A duel between two similar profiles, two big hitters with very fast service.
It is however on a false rhythm that the meeting began, the two adversaries multiplying the inaccuracies. Despite a very quick break from the American in the second game, double faults were legion and Rune was able to get back into the game (2-2). From there, neither Rune nor Fritz gave up their service game until the eighth game.
While the Dane seemed to have taken the measure of his opponent, it was Taylor Fritz who broke at the best of times, taking advantage of his opponent’s feverishness at the end of the round. In a balanced duel, Fritz was able to find the opening and gain the confidence of his opponent.
Even if the second act of this match remained very balanced and undecided until the end, Taylor often made his opponent waver, forcing him to multiply the unforced errors (18 in total) and the errors during break points (a only converted out of 6 obtained).
The key ? A first ball found at the best of times and which did damage: eight aces and above all 78% of points won after the first service. On hard courts, Fritz is formidable and it is very logical that the American again took the lead over his young opponent at 3-2. Neither of the two men lost their face-off afterwards, Taylor Fritz was able to impose his law in just under an hour and a half of play. A serenity which will be necessary in the quarter-finals, since the American of 25 years could cross the road to world number one, just that.
ATP Indian Wells
A good fight and Sinner brings down the outgoing champion
03/17/2023 At 01:19
ATP Delray Beach
Mannarino eliminated in the quarter-finals by Fritz
02/18/2023 At 07:55