Stefanos Tsitsipas easily defeated Dutchman Talon Hrikspur in three sets (6-2 7-6(5) 6-3) to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open on Friday.

Playing in bright sunshine after two days of inclement weather, the men who took first place in the tournament after the early eliminations of holders Rafa Nadal and Kasper Rudd put on a nearly flawless tennis performance to the delight of the Greek fans at the Rod Laver Arena.

“It was great,” said Tsitsipas. “I think my serve today was great, I didn’t have a lot of plays on my serve, which helped a lot.”

“Everything went well and I liked the weather today, what a great day for tennis today, isn’t it?” he said with a smile.

The Greek champion is undefeated in the tournament as he races for his first Grand Slam. But the runner-up at the 2021 French Open was close to a set midway through the match, saving a set point in the second round before doubling his tiebreaker lead.

To the applause of the Greek fans, many of whom were from Melbourne, Tsitsipas moved into the next set without any problems against an opponent whose last name means … “Greek trace”.

In the fourth round, Tsitsipas will face 21-year-old Italian Yanik Siner.

Source: Reuters.