Australian Open: Stefanos Tsitsipas blows away Zizou Bergs in first round

It was a winning start for the 2023 Australian Open runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas as the Greek star emerged victorious in the first round on Monday (Jan 15). Tsitsipas, looking the find the missing piece in his Grand Slam career is bidding for his first title at a major and got the better of Zizou Bergs of Belgium. A 5-7, 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 win saw the Tsitsipas reach the next round despite having to come from one set down. He will next face Jordan Thompson of Australia as the crowd will hope for the local boy to win.

Tsitsipas books second round berth

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"It felt great to be at that level of tennis," Tsitsipas said. "I was very focused, especially after losing the first set. I knew that this is my time to change things up and move on with better tennis, with better power and movement on the court and I think I outplayed him as well physically. I was stronger physically today, at least that's the way I felt. I think winning the first match today was all due to physicality and being constantly mentally involved during the match."

Tsitsipas dropped the first set in a shocking start to his first-round contest at the Rod Laver Arena. However, he then got the better of his opponentas he turned the tables, winning 18 of the 23 consequent games to book his place in the second round. Last year, he reached the final of the Australian Open, only to lose to Novak Djokovic in the final.

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Tsitsipas holds an impressive record at the hard-court major, having advanced to the final last year and the semi-final on three other occasions (2019, 2021, 2022).

The 25-year-old will next take on Jordan Thompson who beat his fellow countrymen Aleksandar Vukic in an epic five-set contest. Thompson won 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 to book a date with Tsitsipas in the next round.