Stefanos Tsitsipas had to overcome some back issues to win his opening match at the Terra Wortmann Open.
The Greek, unseeded at an event for the first time since 2018, edged past Italy’s Luciano Darderi 6-4 3-6 7-6 (7-5) in a gruelling first-round battle.
Tsitsipas broke for a 3-2 lead in Monday’s first set and held off a late charge from Darderi to take it 6-4. The Italian hit back in style, breaking early for 3-0.
The final set was tight throughout. Tsitsipas clinched the match in a tense tiebreak, needing four match points to seal victory.
It was his first event with coach Goran Ivanisevic, who joined his team after a second-round exit at Roland Garros. Tsitsipas, a former world No.3, is now ranked 25th, his lowest position since 2018.
With AAP
