The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Tsitsipas and world No 2 heading home
The so-called “next generation” of men’s tennis is in danger of being usurped by an even newer breed at this year’s French Open after Stefanos Tsitsipas was sent packing by Danish teenager Holger Rune.
Greek fourth seed Tsitsipas, runner-up 12 months ago, is one of a handful of players still waiting to step in when the powers or physical health of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and, notionally, Roger Federer, finally begin to wane.
But the 23-year-old was outplayed by Rune, competing at Roland Garros for the first time, in a shock 7-5 3-6 6-3 6-4 defeat.
Meanwhile, a superb display saw Marin Cilic eliminate world No 2 Daniil Medvedev in straight sets 6-2 6-3 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals.
Rune joins fellow 19-yearold Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals, the first time two teenage men have reached that stage of a grand slam since the 1994 French Open.
Spain’s Alcaraz could land another blow for the even younger guns today when he takes on 25-yearold third seed Alexander Zverev, another of the next cabs off the rank but who, like Tsitsipas, is still hunting a maiden grand slam title.
Rune, who had not won a match at a major before arriving in Paris, had to save three break points in a nerve-racking final game before getting over the line when Tsitsipas went fractionally long.
He said: “I was very nervous but at the same time I knew that if I go away from my tactics I will lose for sure.
“I tried to play my plan and it worked out so well at the end. It’s just so great to still be here.
“It was part of the tactic to be as aggressive as possible.
“Tsitsipas attacks every ball. I had to be aggressive, play fast, and I really like playing the drop shots. It worked out and I’m really happy.”
Rune will face Norwegian eighth seed Casper Ruud tomorrow for a place in the semi-finals.
Tsitsipas said: “These kids are going to want to beat me badly because obviously they are chasing.
“I’m chasing too, but I’m at a different kind of position than they are.
“I’m hungry to beat them too. Now that they have beaten me I want payback.”
Iga Swiatek dropped a set for the first time in more than a month but stayed on course for the French Open title by beating ailing teenager Zheng Qinwen.
There was some doubt that the seemingly unstoppable world number one was going to extend her winning streak to 32 matches when Zheng snatched the first set despite trailing 5-2.
The 19-year-old from China was also 5-2 down in the tie-break, but reeled off five consecutive points to win it.
However, a thigh injury ultimately cost the unlucky Zheng the chance of a major upset as Swiatek won 6-7 (5) 6-0 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals.
Swiatek will face American 11th seed Jessica Pegula, who beat IrinaCamelia Begu of Romania 4-6 6-2 6-3, in the last eight.
There will definitely be a Russian in the semifinals with Veronika Kudermetova and Daria Kasatkina to meet each other.
Banned from Wimbledon, the Russians are making hay in Paris with Kudermetova beating American 22nd seed Madison Keys and Kasatkina defeating Camila Giorgi, the 28th seed from Italy.