The next-gen players on the ATP tour might struggle to defeat the Big-3 at Grand Slams, but they are building up a few intriguing rivalries for the tennis world to sit and enjoy while Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal aren’t there in a tournament.

One such engaging match-up happens tomorrow at the Barcelona Open when Stefanos Tsitsipas battles for a place in the semi-finals against Felix Auger-Aliassime. Going by their performances coming into the tournament, Tsitsipas seems to have the upper hand over the Canadian, but Felix’s game has always posed a serious threat to the Greek.

Barcelona Open 2021: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Felix Auger-Aliassime, Preview

Felix has had a below-par season so far as he managed to make a quarter-final appearance at the Mexican Open earlier this year, where he lost to Tsitsipas in a grueling, three-set battle. Barring this result, the Canadian failed to make his mark in other tournaments. But, the addition of an experienced coach in Toni Nadal might help Felix find ways to beat Tsitsipas.

On the other hand, Tsitsipas had an excellent start at the Australian Open this year, where he defeated Rafael Nadal in an epic five-set encounter in the quarter-finals. That victory would have given the necessary confidence  for the Greek to aim big at the Grand Slams.

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With Dominic Thiem not announcing his comeback yet, this will be a great opportunity for Tsitsipas to win a couple of clay-court titles and give a tough fight to Nadal at the French Open this year.

Also, the Monte-Carlo Masters title will surely help Tsitsipas in his quest for the Barcelona crown this week.

Stefanos Tsitsipas Wishes to Ban Rafael Nadal from French Open

Head-to-Head

The duo played five times against each other so far on the ATP tour, with Tsitsipas leading the tally with 3 wins. Interestingly, today’s quarter-final matchup will be their first meeting on the red dirt. Felix won their first two encounters but the Greek’s game showed a significant improvement in the second half of 2019 as he managed to clinch three back-to-back victories against the Canadian.

Barcelona Open 2021: Stefanos Tsitipas vs Felix Auger-Aliassime, prediction

When two players with contrasting mindsets battle against each other, it makes up for an enthralling thriller more often than not. On one hand, Tsitsipas likes to be active and vocal on a tennis court whereas Felix isn’t too emotional and likes to keep it cool on-court.

As their previous encounters took place on hard-courts where each player had the liberty to go for winners, this quarter-final meeting at the Barcelona Open will be a test of patience for both the players.

While the numbers point towards Stefanos Tsitsipas, Felix has the advantage of playing with full freedom tomorrow as he enters as the underdog with fewer expectations from him.

Coming to their strengths, both the players are extremely strong on the forehand wing. But, Tsitsipas can make better cross-court angles on the forehand side than Felix.

Owing to the aggressive game-play of Tsitsipas, he will come hard at the Canadian with a wide range of shots. Even Felix has to use his volleying skills tomorrow as he won’t be able to defeat the Greek with his baseline prowess.

If both the players remain consistent on-serve, it will surely be an entertaining contest to witness for fans.

Final Prediction: Stefanos Tsitsipas to win in three sets. 

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