world number 4 Stefanos Tsitsipas apparently felt a bit lonely after only two reporters showed up at his press conference after his australian open second round win. On Wednesday, Tsitsipas defeated Rinky Hijikata 6-3, 6-0, 6-2 to advance to the third round at Melbourne Park.
On the same day, Rafael Nadal suffered an upset loss in two sets to Mackenzie McDonald and that made all the headlines. «With all the attention that’s been put on Djokovic this year for obvious reasons, and Rafa as well, do you feel like you’re flying a bit under the radar?» Tsitsipas was asked.
Tsitsipas replied: «Well, I see two of you here tonight, maybe (smiling).»
Stef feeling lonely at her press conference, pic.twitter.com/St9mvGALsv — Vicky Georgatou (@VGeorgatou) January 18, 2023
Here is a video of the Tsitsipas press conference.
And here is the whole press conference. —Liu Hsuan Hsin (@cindylss1116) January 18, 2023
Tsitsipas happy to have easily done the job against Hijikata
Tsitsipas earned the first break of the match in the sixth game and then held serve for the remainder of the set to clinch the opener.
After winning the first set, Tsitsipas was absolutely dominant in the second set as he broke Hijikata three times and won the set without losing a game. In the third set, Hijikata held a 2-1 lead before Tsitsipas made back-to-back breaks and won five games in a row to end the match in style.
“It felt good out there. The ball came off the racket very well. I really enjoyed it, I was great throughout the game. I always enjoy playing at Rod Laver Arena, I have good memories here,» Tsitsipas said, according to the ATP website.
Tsitsipas, 24, is working with Australian tennis legend Mark Philippoussis. «He brings a lot to the game. He’s played some amazing tennis himself in his career, he’s won a lot of matches here and he’s got a lot of experience. He’s been helping me a lot with the serve and the volley.»
He’s been helping me with my offensive game,» Tsitsipas said of Philippoussis. In his next Australian Open match, Tsitsipas plays Tallon Griekspoor.
