Stefanos Tsitsipas, one of the favorites at the US Open 2021, crashed out against 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz in the third round. He lost the match 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 0-6, 7-6 (5). Looking back at it, the 23-year-old Greek stated that it was the fifth set that made all the difference.

2-1 down in the match, Tsitsipas made a stunning comeback, bageling the young Spaniard in the fourth set. Accordingly, many thought that it was the end of the battle. However, from the start of the deciding set, Alcaraz laid his heart out on the court. It was indeed a level the Greek God did not expect.

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Stefanos Tsitsipas reflects on his loss to Carlos Alcaraz at US Open 2021

Before the start of the match, Tsitsipas was a hands-down favorite to win. Nevertheless, it did not take Alcaraz much time to turn the support and the battle in his favor.

Consequently, the Greek professional admitted, “I’ve never seen someone play a fifth set so well.” Moreover, he was also impressed by Alcaraz’s incredible ball-striking. “The speed of his ball was incredible. I have never seen anyone hit the ball so hard. He played the fifth set like the first, recklessly. He engaged on each strike.”

(All quotes are translated from French to English via Google Translate).

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Furthermore, Tsitsipas revealed how Alcaraz showed intelligence on the court. He also explained how the inspired Spaniard took him off his guard.

“He chained the winning shots behind my return. He was in control, which was surprising, especially in the 5th set. I didn’t expect him to raise his level so much,” Tsitsipas added.

Naturally, Tsitsipas confessed that Alcaraz is a “contender for Grand Slam titles” and believes he has “the game for” it.

Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz Joins History Books Alongside Pete Sampras After Defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas at the US Open 2021

Will Tsitsipas lose rankings points after losing to Alcaraz

Coincidentally, Tsitsipas had fallen in the US Open 2020 third round. Even then, he lost in an epic five-set thriller to Borna Coric.

As he did not worsen or better his last year’s result, Tsitsipas will neither earn nor lose any ATP Rankings points. However, the loss will, without any doubt, hurt him for some time.

Now, it is intriguing to see how far Alcaraz will extend his dream run. Tell us how far do you see him going at the US Open 2021.

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