Tsitsipas: "It's great to be back winning, I hope to keep learning"
The 22-year-old Australian struggled in the first set, even breaking Tsitsipas' serve, leveling the score at 4-4. But the Greek champion with a new break made it 5-4 and 6-4 to take the first set.
In the second set he made two consecutive breaks (3-2, 5-2), and taking ten points in a row he reached the victory.
This was the 26-year-old Greek champion's first success on tour since the first round of the US Open. He is ranked No.6 in the Race on the way to the ATP Finals in Turin (12-19/11), as he tries to consolidate his place in the top eight.Stefanos Tsitsipas easily prevailed in his debut at the Rolex Shanghai Masters against Rinky Hijikata, 6-4, 6-2 in 82 minutes, ensuring qualification to the 3rd round (stage "32") of the event.
There he will face the winner of the match between Botik van de Zandschulp and Hugo Humber.
The 22-year-old Australian struggled in the first set, even breaking Tsitsipas' serve, leveling the score at 4-4. But the Greek champion with a new break made it 5-4 and 6-4 to take the first set.
In the second set he made two consecutive breaks (3-2, 5-2), and taking ten points in a row he reached the victory.
This was the 26-year-old Greek champion's first success on tour since the first round of the US Open. He is ranked No.6 in the Race on the way to the ATP Finals in Turin (12-19/11), as he tries to consolidate his place in the top 8.
"It's a good start. I'm glad the Tour is back in Shanghai, it's been 3-4 years since we've been able to play here. For me this first experience is very positive.
I think it's the first time I've played in this stadium with a closed roof. The feeling I got through the court was very beautiful, and I felt fantastic about my game. I am sure that my level will rise day by day", said Stefanos Tsitsipas, after finishing his match.
“It's great to be back winning, but it's also great that the Tour is back in China. We've had a couple of years away from Asia, and I personally couldn't wait for these tournaments to come back. It's a good time to be in China, the conditions are not extreme, which helps make the game enjoyable. What I realized is that the people of China are very hardworking and patient. There's a lot we can learn here," he added and continued:
"I have some experience here, but I wouldn't say I'm the most experienced either. I keep building, and I hope to keep learning from this journey.”
