Stefanos Tsitsipas slugs his way into French Open third round

French Open

James Richardson
May 31, 2023

Stefanos Tsitsipas has won through to the third round of the French Open with a straight sets victory over Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-2.

The victory ensures that Tsitsipas has reached at least the third round of the French Open for the fifth consecutive season.

Tsitsipas is a now a consistent contender for big titles on clay as well as hard courts, coming closest to Grand Slam Glory at Roland Garros and Melbourne.

The 2021 finalist Tsitsipas, who is pursuing his first Major championship, dominated for extended stretches on Court Suzanne-Lenglen.

Tsitsipas used excellent footwork to control the forehand while striking with strong topspin to drive Carballes Baena deeper and deeper.

He thrived in the conditions on the Suzanne-Lenglen court on a sunny afternoon in Paris.

“I like the bounces and the way the ball [moves] when it is sunny like this,” Tsitsipas said when asked about the lively conditions.

“There were a few instances this year where it rained a little bit and did not suit me as much, but I really enjoy sunny days like this.”

The World No 57 was overwhelmed by the variety and power that Tsitsipas presented in the first and third sets.

Tsitsipas also came back after losing service twice in the second set to win a close tie-break.

The world No 5 has set up a third-round match against either Diego Schwartzman or Nuno Borges with his two hours and sixteen minute victory on Wednesday.

Tsitsipas was grateful for the warm reception the French Open crowd has given him so far.

“The crowd was great and it is always great on Suzanne-Lenglen,” Tsitsipas said.

“I have received a lot of support and love at Roland Garros in the years and it has treated me well.”

The fifth seed presently sports a 29-8 season record on the ATP TOU.

Tsitsipas had just gone to the semifinals in Rome and the final in Barcelona before arriving in Paris.

He is presently in fourth place in the Pepperstone ATP Live Race To Turin, but he may move up to first if he wins his 10th tour-level championship in Paris after Tuesday’s shocking first-round loss by Race To Turin leader Daniil Medvedev.

Early French Open results on Wednesday

French Open results on Wednesday, the fourth day of the 2023 championships at Roland Garros (x denotes seeded player):
Men
2nd rd
Fabio Fognini (ITA) bt Jason Kubler (AUS) 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2
Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x5) bt Roberto Carballes Baena (ESP) 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2
Women
2nd rd
Elise Mertens (BEL x28) bt Camila Osorio (COL) 6-3, 7-6 (7/3)
Jessica Pegula (USA x3) bt Camila Giorgi (ITA) 6-2 — retired
Elina Svitolina (UKR) bt Storm Sanders (AUS) 2-6, 6-3, 6-1
Peyton Stearns (USA) bt Jelena Ostapenko (LAT x17) 6-3, 1-6, 6-2