Tsitsipas stuns world No.1 Djokovic
Greek rising star next faces Medvedev, Zverev downs Federer in ill-tempered quarter-final
>> SHANGHAI: Stefanos Tsitsipas said that he scares the “Big Three” after the young Greek stunned world No.1 Novak Djokovic to reach the Shanghai Masters semifinals yesterday.
The 21-year-old has now defeated Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal this year and faces another major talent today in the form of 23-year-old Daniil Medvedev.
Tsitsipas recovered from losing the opening three games in just seven minutes to shock the reigning champion 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.
Calling it the best comeback of his nascent career, the seventhranked Tsitsipas said he dreamt of beating the “Big Three”.
But rather than being intimidated by then, Tsitsipas said: “I honestly feel like they are more threatened than I am and that makes me more relaxed on court.
“I know I just have to hang in there and be able to be more aggressive.
“Once you get aggressive and they see you going for it, I might even say they get scared.”
It was a double celebration for Tsitsipas, who also confirmed his place in the prestigious seasonending ATP Finals.
Tsitsipas sealed the deal with a gleeful smash and held both arms aloft. Djokovic met his opponent with a warm embrace at the net.
Djokovic, who had looked imperious up until now, had no complaints.
“He deserved the victory, he was the better player,” said the 32-yearold Serbian.
Tsitsipas grabbed his place at the ATP Finals after fourth-ranked Medvedev tamed self-styled “wild horse” Fabio Fognini 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) in their quarter-final.
Fognini was vying for a ticket to the Finals in London.
Medvedev — another of the next generation — sent down 12 aces to help see off Fognini.
The Russian has a 12-0 record in quarter-finals this year and Djokovic this week described the US Open finalist as a “very complete” player.
Meanwhile Roger Federer was given a point penalty as he followed Djokovic out of the quarterfinals in a bad-tempered defeat to Alexander Zverev yesterday.
The 22-year-old German won 6-3, 6-7 (7/9), 6-3 as the Swiss legend Federer was penalised after twice hitting the ball out the court in anger.
Zverev faces Austria’s Dominic Thiem or Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in the semi-finals today. AGENCIES