Stefanos Tsitsipas stunned six-time champion Roger Federer to advance to the final of the 2019 ATP Tour Finals in his debut at the event.
The 21-year-old Greek is taking tennis by storm and overcame short rest after a gruelling match against Rafael Nadal on Friday night to knock out the favourite 6-3, 6-4.
With Federer 17 years his senior – the greatest age difference in the tournament’s history - Tsitsipas took advantage of the Swiss maestro’s inability to convert 10 break points.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion’s sloppy start proved costly, messing up two easy slams at the net to allow Tsitsipas to lock up a break advantage.
A glimmer of hope was handed back to Federer at 2-4 but he spurned three break points, eventually conceding an epic 13-minute game, which allowed the youngster to move on an seal a breathtaking first set.
Despite trading breaks at the start of the second, Tsitsipas overcame the London crowd’s support for the veteran and moved towards the finish line. Federer put up one last fight, but the story of the match reared its head once more, as two more break points slipped by at 3-5 before the compelling contest drew to a close and perhaps propelled Tsitsipas to the very top of the game heading into 2020.
First though is the small matter of Sunday’s final, against Dominic Thiem who was at his dominant best as he dismantled defending champion Alexander Zverev 7-5 6-3.
Tsitsipas was absolutely thrilled by his performance. “Wow, Jesus, I’m so proud of myself, a great performance,” the Greek said after sealing victory. “I enjoyed my time on the court. It’s a mental struggle, I’m really proud to save so many break points.
“He was playing good, shout out to him, he did very well this week. He’s inspirational as always, playing him is the biggest honour I can have. Today’s win is one of the best matches of my season.
“These moments are the ones I wait for and I want to prove the best of my game. It’s not easy to copy Federer. I’m trying to do half of what he does, he can be so good.
“We have different styles, but we all come in different shapes and sizes. It’s nice to see single backhands alive, there is so much to learn from Roger.
“I wished one day I could face him, today I’m living the dream, I remember being one of these kids watching the event. I could never picture myself standing here, dreams do come true!”
