Here’s our match report:
Here are some post-match quotes from Roger Federer:
“I have massive regrets tonight. I felt like I have to win the second set. I don’t care how I do it, but I have to do it. Cost me the game tonight.”
On John McEnroe’s on-court remarks that the result marked a changing of the guard, Federer replied: “He’s in front of the mic a lot. He’s always going to say stuff. I love John. I’ve heard that story the last 10 years. From that standpoint, nothing new there.
“About Stefanos, I think he’s definitely done a really nice job now the last year and a half. Before that, too, obviously. But beating Novak in Toronto, the likes of Anderson and Zverev, now me here.
“That’s what you need to do to get to the next level. He’s doing that. It’s really nice for him. I see him definitely being high up in the game for a long time. That was a good night for him tonight.”
Kevin Mitchell’s report will arrive shortly, but here’s a snap report from PA:
Roger Federer’s chances of winning a third consecutive Australian Open title were ended as 20-year-old Stefanos Tsitsipas came of age on Rod Laver Arena.
The Greek, who was not born when Federer made his professional debut, has rapidly established himself as one of the most exciting up-and-coming talents in the game and backed it up spectacularly with a 6-7 (11) 7-6 (3) 7-5 7-6 (5) victory to move through to a first grand slam quarter-final.
Federer had not lost a match at Melbourne Park since a semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic in 2016 but his often brilliant forehand was wayward, especially at the big moments, and he failed to take four set points in the second set that might well have changed the outcome.
The 37-year-old must have glimpsed something of his younger self in his opponent, from the flowing single-handed backhand, the willingness to charge the net, and the confidence to believe he could beat his childhood idol, just as Federer did to Pete Sampras at Wimbledon in 2001.
Tsitsipas said: “Roger is a legend of the sport, (I have) so much respect for him. He showed such good tennis over the years. I’ve been idolising him since the age of six. It was a dream come true just being on Rod Laver facing him. Winning at the end, I cannot describe it.”
Right ... that was an interesting start to everyone’s Sunday. I am off to find a massive coffee and some lunch. You should all do the same.
Have we witnessed a star born in Melbourne? Only time will tell but I am looking forward to finding out.
Until we meet again.
Tsitsipas takes the applause of the crowd and treats them to his sweatbands.
He departs the court with a the customary signing of the TV camera.
“I haven’t seen such a loud crowd in my life,” Tsitsipas adds.
He wasn’t saying that when they were randomly shouting “Out!”.
Tsitsipas says: “There is nothing I can compare it to, I am the happiest man on earth right now. I can’t describe it.
“Roger is a legend of our sport, so much respect for him. He showed such good tennis over the years, I’ve been analysing him since the age of since. It was a dream just being on Rod Laver playing against him and to win it at the end, I cannot describe it.”
CRASH, BANG, WALLOP WHAT A TENNIS MATCH!
Tsitsipas goes back to sit down and take it what he has just achieved. Federer had won the two previous Australian Opens and few would have been surprised by a third. The Greek has his head in his hands, almost in shock.
TSITSIPAS WINS THE MATCH!
Fourth set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 7-6 Federer
TIE-BREAK! Tsitsipas starts with an ace. Federer then sends a forehand down the line a touch long to put him on the back foot. A failed lob from the Greek brings it back to 2-1. WHAT A SHOT FROM FEDERER! After an impressive rally he produces a stunning forehand across the court to make it 2-2. Ooooof! As responses go, an ace down the middle from Tsitsipas is not a bad one. The crowd then erupts when the Greek sends a shot into the net for 3-3. Great athleticism from Tsitsipas gets him to a drop shot from Fed but he then fires it long. Federer then whacks a backhand well wide to make it 4-4. This is pretty tense, as Fed proves with a weak backhand into the net for no reason. Fed smashes an ace down the middle ... but there is a challenge, which is erroneous. A line judge has made the latest “Out” call off all time. It is out! And now this is match point!!! Tsitsipas serves ... and he Fed sends the ball into the net!! GAME, SET AND MATCH!!!
Updated
Fourth set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 6-6 Federer*
Federer is ferocious from the off in this game but he gets a bit excited and sends a wayward forehand wide. Some stunning work at the net from Fed sees him volley a few potential winners but Tsitsipas is equal to them but is eventually worn down by the onslaught. Tsitsipas repeatedly looks like he wants to challenge a call but he has no reviews left. He sends two long for Fed to win. Another tie-break.
Fourth set: Tsitsipas* 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 6-5 Federer
“Oh man!” is the cry from Federer after he smashes the ball into the net with a backhand. He doesn’t waste breath next time around as he watches an ace fly by and the Greek takes the game to love. Will he break to win?
Fourth set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 5-5 Federer*
A break here would see Tsitsipas caused a right old upset in Melbourne. Surely Federer won’t lose the match when serving. His opening serve would indicate I am right and he quickly moves into a 30-0 lead but a fierce backhand gets Tsitsipas back into it but not for long as Federer thwacks a forehand well out of reach and he holds.
Updated
Fourth set: Tsitsipas* 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 5-4 Federer
A passing backhand from Federer gets the crowd up on their feet. It was a lovely shot to be fair. Federer really needed that. Tsitsipas, laden with his rich leg cream, does not seem to be moving as quickly as previously as Federer makes it 30-30 but some renewed vigour helps to home the game.
Fourth set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 4-4 Federer*
The medical assistance and delay has seen the crown turn against Tsitsipas with a bit of booing. Federer tests out his physicality with a wide serve which he cannot reach. The game continues along similar lines as Federer holds with minimal fuss.
Tsitsipas has pointed to an arm issue and is now just having some cream rubbed into his legs. It just seems like cramp at the moment. Take on more fluids, mate.
Fourth set: Tsitsipas* 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 4-3 Federer
Here comes the trainer!! Maybe Tsitsipas just wants to allowed the crowd a little break from this intense. The Greek shows no sign of weakness as he steams in a 40-0 lead but he offers Federer a glimpse of hope as the Swiss wins two consecutive points but an ace takes the game.
Fourth set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 3-3 Federer*
Tsitsipas has called for the trainer due to a leg issue. Federer might be very excited about the prospect his opponent is weakened. He certainly is taking advantage of any impediment in this game, winning it to love after pushing the Greek around the court.
Updated
Fourth set: Tsitsipas* 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 3-2 Federer
Federer brings it back to 30-30 with some great athleticism which helped him return a shot with a mishit, much to Tsitsipas’ surprise, resulting in the Greek send a shot well wide. He is not too worried by this and takes the game. As a side note, Tsitsipas has no challenges remaining.
James emails (from Melbourne): “I’m at the match, one of the best matches I’ve ever seen live. Torn between my love for Federer and my excitement for how good Tsitsipas is at 20 years old.
“I think I’ve come to the conclusion that the best ending to this match is Federer to somehow find another level in these two sets and pull out the win. Reminding everyone he is still the master but that Tsitsipas will be entertaining us for many years to come.”
I thank you for distracting yourself from this match to email me.
Fourth set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 2-2 Federer*
Federer is put on the back foot, literally and metaphorically, by Tsitsipas as the Greek takes the first point but this is followed by an ace. Federer is now battling here; he is taken to 30-30 and then produces a incredible volley at the net to put himself in control but he wastes it and is taken to Deuce. Possibly out frustration he smashes a serve and then a volley to take the game.
Fourth set: Tsitsipas* 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 2-1 Federer
Top rallying culminates in Tsitsipas volleying the ball into space to win the first point and he rightly celebrates with a fist pump and he comfortably holds his serve.
Fourth set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 1-1 Federer*
The fans are getting behind Federer now. Everyone loves Fed. He repays their love with a dropped volley over the net to take the first point of the game. Things go quickly downhill for Fed who goes 15-30 down following a woeful volley at the net. The match has seen some utterly woeful reviews, the latest coming from Tsitsipas who things his mishit forehand was in, it was not. Federer takes the game despite the best efforts of the Greek who returns a drop shot but sends it just long.
Updated
Fourth set: Tsitsipas* 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 1-0 Federer
Now he has the advantage, Tsitsipas looks more confident, serving his way to the first game of the fourth set without giving Federer a sniff thanks to three consecutive aces.
TSITSIPAS WINS THE THIRD SET!
Third set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 7-6, 7-5 Federer*
WE HAVE A BREAK!!!
Tsitsipas smashes a shot straight at Federer who just can’t react quick enough to get a volley back over the net. Fed then sends one long to make it 15-30. If anyone is tiring in this match, it is Federer. Two set points for the Greek ... and he breaks Federer who smashes on into the net!!
Updated
Third set: Tsitsipas* 6-7, 7-6, 6-5 Federer
No fuss from Tsitsipas as he does not offer Federer a chance on his serve. Are we heading for another tie-break?
Third set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 7-6, 5-5 Federer*
Tsitsipas is happy to chase whatever Federer sends his way and it does not seem to be tiring him out but it is currently a wasted occupation as Fed holds to love.
Third set: Tsitsipas* 6-7, 7-6, 5-4 Federer
Those failed break points are quickly forgotten by Tsitsipas as breezes into a 30-0 lead on his serve and an ace wins the game for him.
Updated
Third set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 7-6, 4-4 Federer*
An opening for Tsitsipas as he goes into a 0-30 lead on Federer’s serve and a cross-court forearm earns two break points. The Swiss comes back strong to take the game to Deuce. They were Tsitsipas’ first break points of the match, which shows how good Fed has been. Speaking of which, Fed holds.
If anyone is in the vicinity of Guardian HQ, could they please bring supplies? Some coffee, chocolate biscuits and wine. I think this could be a long one.
Third set: Tsitsipas* 6-7, 7-6, 4-3 Federer
A superb rally starts the game, ending with a smashing volley from Federer after Tsitsipas just about returned a drop shot. Federer moves the Greek around the court, leading to two break points. Surely this is the time he will finally break his younger opponent ... but he mishits a forearm which almost ended up in Sydney. We are at Deuce and Federer has now failed to take 12 break points. Is that a record against Fed? Tsitsipas is lured into the net and then plays a passing shot down the line to earn advantage. Stunning from Federer to stay in the game after a rally saw both men moving all over the court but culminating in a great backhand down the line from the Swiss to take us back to Deuce. Tsitsipas earns advantage and shouts “Let’s go!” which does to win the game.
Third set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 7-6, 3-3 Federer*
Fed completely messes up a volley. A sign of the pressure? He rectifies the situation to take the game with a perfect volley at the second time of asking.
Kath is now trying to make me remember a second thing to learn one thing. I was up very early for this, Kath, you can’t expect too much of me.
@will_unwin The way I learned to remember Tsitsipas' name without looking it up every time was "yes yes no", i.e. phonetically "si si pas" = "tsi tsi pas". It's easier than it looks, honest!
— Shouting at Tennis (@KathTennis) January 20, 2019
Third set: Tsitsipas* 6-7, 7-6, 3-2 Federer
Federer offers a hand of apology after he clips the net and kills the ball dead to make it 15:15, much to Tsitsipas’ chagrin. The Greek does not flinch and makes up for it with a cracking inside-out forearm. Still no breaks in this match as Tsitsipas sends an ace down the middle.
Third set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 7-6, 2-2 Federer*
A slow rally ends with Federer hitting the net but he doesn’t mess about on his next serve to level the score. He goes ahead but then completely miscues a forehand which goes well wide and he is eventually taken to Deuce, a rare bit of pressure on the Federer serve. Did I say pressure? Oh he eases through Deuce with no fuss.
Third set: Tsitsipas* 6-7, 7-6, 2-1 Federer
It’s 9.30pm in Melbourne and there is another game on after this, which might finish around noon tomorrow at this rate. Fed comes in behind a second serve but needlessly whacks it straight into the net when he must have been eyeing a winner. Tsitsipas volleys his way to winning the game, he his improving as the game goes on.
Third set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 7-6, 1-1 Federer*
Intense stuff form Federer as he ensures Tsitsipas feels the heat in Melbourne as he takes the game with little fuss.
Third set: Tsitsipas* 6-7, 7-6, 1-0 Federer
Here we go again! It is pretty draining watching this match, so God knows how the lads on the court are feeling. A bad backhand from Tsitsipas needlessly sends a shot wide under little pressure but he makes amends to level things up at 30-30 and then takes the game.
There are some very lively ducks or something in the background in Melbourne which is adding a weird background noise.
TSITSIPAS WINS THE SECOND SET!
Second set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 7-6 Federer
TIE BREAK! Federer starts it off by woefully miscueing a shot into the stands pretty much. Not how you want to start on your serve. Tsitsipas on the other hand smashes two aces, the second just about kissing the line, as proved by Hawkeye. Fed gets back into it as the Greek’s inside-out forearm heads out to make it 3-1. The Swiss then offers up the look of a man about to kill after a bad call from the umpire results in the point being replayed. Much to his relief, he wins that one. Federer levels things up with a sublime backhand down the line. Wonderful. With the pressure back on Tsitsipas he holds his nerve in a rally, ending with Fed finding the net and then he makes it 5-3 with a passing forearm. He then keeps his calm to let a volley pass him, in the knowledge it was heading just out. Tsitsipas serves for the set ... and wins it!
Updated
Second set: Tsitsipas* 6-7, 6-6 Federer
Tsitsipas serves to stay in the set and does so with aplomb as takes the game to love. No break point chances for Fed here. Another tie-break.
Abhijato says: “I wanted to comment on the camera angles used in this Open. They often cut away to the view from just behind the players, which gives us a more intimate feel of the way the game is being played. The overhead shot often seems to make the ball easier to see, but the use of the court cameras should be more encouraged - the awkward bounce and height from the best shots is captured through these frames. If the broadcasters stream these games online, maybe there could be a stream permanently from these cameras, accompanied by nothing but the sounds of the game with optional commentary? I would pay to watch them any day.”
I have found some of the TV directing very strange. Keep it simple, lads.
Second set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 5-6 Federer*
A lesser man might have collapsed under the pressure from Federer but Tsitsipas is giving everything to stay in this game, so much so his shoelace has broken. A quick change of footwear means we are back playing but it is business as usual for Federer as he takes the game.
Second set: Tsitsipas* 6-7, 5-5 Federer
After playing Come On Eileen, we are back to the real business of tennis. There is some creaking in Tsitsipas’ game, he has put in a lot of effort to be fair, and after a stunning rally he hits a backhand long giving a break point. The Greek ensures we go to Deuce with a big serve. Federer gets another chance of a break but a serve down the middle does the job for Tsitsipas to make it eight break points Fed has failed to take in the match. He gets the chance of a ninth and misses out again with a poor shot from the baseline. A tenth comes immediately thanks to a cracking shot across court but it is not taken as Tsitsipas volleys a winner. Great endeavour from the Greek, who then gets his own chance to win the game which he does take.
Second set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 4-5 Federer*
Bish, bash, bosh. Federer wins the game to love. Great serving from him today.
Second set: Tsitsipas* 6-7, 4-4 Federer
Federer lures Tsitsipas to then net then flashes a forehand past him. Federer does similar again but this time beats him with cunning rather than power to make it 0-30. The Greek recovers with a couple of heaving shots to level things up and head to Deuce thanks to a stunning backhand down the line from Federer following one of the match’s better rallies. Ooooof! Deuce #3 sees Tsitsipas volley his way to advantage but he then gets unlucky on the next point as a Federer shot clips the net and he just gets it back over but the Swiss smashes a winner. Deuce #5 gives Federer break point but his backhand, when he has a chance of winning the game, goes very long. Don’t worry, there is always Deuce #6 to bring this to a conclusion and it does as Federer sends the ball into the net. Still no breaks of serve.
Second set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 3-4 Federer*
Federer has won 10 points in a row on serve and takes the game. Federer is looking the more likely winner at the moment, I would say.
Second set: Tsitsipas* 6-7, 3-3 Federer
Will I learn how to spell Tsitsipas off the top of my head before this match finishes? No probably not.
The last break points on serve were in the opening game of the match but we have another! Federer brings Tsitsipas to the net and then smashes a forehand straight back past him. The Greek takes us to Deuce despite looking trouble during the crucial rally but it is Fed who overhits a forehand. A review is called for from Tsitsipas and he is proven right that Federer’s shot was just out. But we are back to Deuce. The Greek then sends a backhand long and Fed has another chance to break his younger opponent but his return smashes into the net. Federer looks in a good position to break Tsitsipas but stopped when chasing down a drop shot even though he could have got there, even Fed himself looks confused. Serve is held by the Greek after three break points. Lively.
Updated
Second set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 2-3 Federer*
Federer takes the games to love. Easy peasy.
Tony emails: “Re the morons in the crowd shouting out during rallies - surely the stewards, or indeed other members of the crowd, can identify the loud-mouthed miscreants and have them removed? Seeing a few idiots frogmarched out of the stands might discourage the others?
“PS what a terrific match this is!”
It is a great match and to we should ensure it continues in this way by having the idiots removed quickly and in as embarrassing a fashion as possible.
Second set: Tsitsipas* 6-7, 2-2 Federer
This is not going to be a quick match, is it? Both players are looking in stupendous form and know the other’s weakness, which is making it compelling viewing. The Greek ensures that no service games have been lost as he takes the game 40-15, concluding with a dramatic volley.
Second set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 1-2 Federer*
We might be here for quite a while here. Federer is looking more and more clinical as the match progresses but Tsitsipas shows what he is made of with a great backhand return to a serve and then Federer messes up a drop shot to make it 30-30. Fed takes the game.
Updated
Second set: Tsitsipas* 6-7, 1-1 Federer
Tsitsipas tries to regain his composure after a whirlwind first game of the second set as he serves himself back into the game, making it 30-0 with a great backhand volley to keep things interesting and he also takes the game to love. Lovely stuff.
Second set: Tsitsipas 6-7, 0-1 Federer*
The Greek had a bit of a chat with the umpire there as it is the second time someone has shouted out from the crowd with an erroneous call of “Out!”. The umpire has warned the crowd but they do not seem intelligent enough to understand it. Federer takes the game to love.
FEDERER WINS FIRST SET
First set: Tsitsipas 6-7 Federer
Tsitsipas starts the tie-break by taking the first two points to put the pressure back on Federer. A bad backhand from the Greek misses its mark and levels it at 2-2 but he follows that up with an ace. It’s 3-3 thanks to a great volley from Federer forcing his opponent to send the ball long in response. Federer shouts “Come on!” when going 4-3 up to show how tough it is out there and there is a similar shout from Tsitsipas when he immediately levels things. Plenty of quality and commitment in the tie-break. Federer sends a forehand long to make it 5-5 but then Tsitsipas can’t return the following serve. But some positive tennis from the Greek allows him to volley a winner from the net to level things up. Federer miscues a forehand to give his opponent Set Point but there is no chance he is giving him a chance with a superb serve which kisses the line. Set Point is then with Federer but he fails to take it and then smashes a forehand into the net for no reason from the baseline, leaving Tsitsipas a chance to take the set but we all know that is not happening on Federer’s serve as he volleys a winner and then a drop shot leaves him on the brink but he sends his shot well wide to make it 10-10. It goes to 11-11 as the Greek hits the net with a backhand. It’s Set Point once again for Fed as he doesn’t mess about with a forehand. Federer then wins the first set after some tosser in the crowd shouts “Out!”. Tsitsipas is not happy but those are the breaks when idiots are around.
First set: Tsitsipas 6-6 Federer*
Federer has been put under plenty of pressure and a drop shot from Tsitsipas forces him to send his response into the net. The Swiss does not worry and wins the next two points thanks to some great first serving. Here comes a tie-break.
First set: Tsitsipas* 6-5 Federer
Tsitsipas loses his first point on his serve for a while as he fails to execute a backhand, which hits the net. He regains his composure and sends some powerful shots Federer’s way which he just can’t fire back and the Greek takes the game with a great backhand volley at the net, made all the better as he was falling over at the time.
First set: Tsitsipas 5-5 Federer*
Needing to win the game to stay in the set brings out the best of Federer as he goes 30-0 up but then Tsitsipas shows his worth with a great backhand down the line to get back into the game. A stunning rally results in Federer smashing a winner which flicks the line, before the Swiss takes the game.
First set: Tsitsipas* 5-4 Federer
Federer is getting moved around the court here by Tsitsipas and he does not like it. His forehand is coming under pressure and even his backhand is being undermined. Tsitsipas wins the game and has now won the last 13 points on his serve.
First set: Tsitsipas 4-4 Federer*
New balls in Melbourne result in Federer misjudging their bounce and firing one well off court. He produces his first ace in response but then his fifth forced error of the game lets his opponent back in and Tsitsipas takes us to Deuce with a stunning backhand out of Federer’s reach across court from the baseline. Federer gets into the net to earn advantage and then takes the game.
First set: Tsitsipas* 4-3 Federer
Tsitsipas is targeting the forehand and it is working for him. Not to mention he stunning ace down the middle to make it 40-0. He then finishes off by putting plenty of spin on a shot and Federer can only smash it into the net. We’ve got a game on here.
First set: Tsitsipas 3-3 Federer*
There is a challenge from Tsitipas on a Federer serve to get the game going. The Greek has a chat with the umpire and in the end loses his challenge. Federer makes Tsitipas move around the court, almost playing with him but the 20-year-old gets his own back with a stunning forehand down the line to make it 40-30 and then Federer miscues one for Deuce. The Swiss regains his composure to take the game.
First set: Tsitsipas* 3-2 Federer
No messing about from Tsitsipas in response as he puts the pressure back on his more esteemed colleague forcing a couple of errors and then taking the game to love with a lovely volley at the net which Federer cannot get to in time.
First set: Tsitsipas 2-2 Federer*
A decent backhand rally gets Federer’s second service game underway. Both men have superb backhands like they’re using wands. The Swiss wins that challenge and then shows Tsitsipas that he cannot be lobbed as the Greek sends a lob long. In the end Federer takes the game to love to show he is not messing about. He has only conceded a point in his opening two service games.
Updated
First set: Tsitsipas* 2-1 Federer
The Greek seems to be targeting Federer’s forehand as he eases through his second service game by winning with minimal fuss on this occasion. All those nerves are now being lost by Tsitsipas.
First set: Tsitsipas 1-1 Federer*
Federer’s first service game is a bit of a calmer affair as the Swiss smashes some clinical shots to ensure his opponent knows how ferocious this game is going to be. It was certainly quicker than the first game of the match.
First set: Tsitsipas* 1-0 Federer (*denotes server):
Tsitsipas gets us going and puts Federer under plenty of early pressure but Federer is unflustered by a couple of big serves. Tsitipas is nervous and gets a time warning at break point but recovers to take Federer to Deuce. Federer almost takes advantage with a superb shot across the court but it is inches out but an error from the Greek levels things up. Tsitsipas double faults because he fails to take his serve in time and then sends it long without option of a second one. On the upside he then has an out call overturned for a serve as it just kissed the line. This is a fascinating opening game, as Federer takes the game back to Deuce with some superb play at the net which Tsitipas cannot cope with. In the end Tsitipas holds the game. More of this, please.
Barty got the better of Sharapova earlier ...
They are both out on court and are knocking up a bit. Some lovely early backhands to get you in the mood.
Preamble
Good morning!
Stefanos Tsitsipas comes into this game hoping that self-belief might be enough to see off Roger Federer but that might a bit of a stretch. The Greek is the 14th seed in Melbourne and is certainly capable of a shock but Federer is still looking superb at the ripe old age of 37 and no one would be surprised if he were to win his seventh Australian Open this time around.
Tsitsipas has a potentially wonderful career ahead of him and a win today would certainly be a turning point.
Could be a cracking game in store!
