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Stefanos Tsitsipas Monte Carlo Masters 2021
ATP Tennis Players, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Tennis News, Tennis Tournaments

‘Auger-Aliassime is someone to take seriously. Can’t wait to play him’, says Stefanos Tsitsipas in Barcelona


Stefanos Tsitsipas is looking forward to facing Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open on Friday.

The world No. 5 and second seed defeated Alex De Minaur 7-5, 6-3 in the third round of the ATP 500 event on Thursday. Auger-Aliassime saw off fellow Canadian Denis Shapovalov 6-2, 6-3 to reach the last eight.

“I found the conditions a bit difficult today. Alex was competing. He was running left to right, getting every single ball I was playing close to the lines,” Tsitsipas said in an on-court interview.

“So that was definitely difficult. And he is a good competitor, always puts out his best game. I think running and getting an extra ball back is actually his biggest strength.

“That’s what makes him difficult to play against, but I found ways to go through.”

The 22-year-old Greek has won three of five previous ATP meetings with world No. 20 Auger-Aliassime.

Tsitsipas added on playing the 20-year-old: “I’ve never played him on clay. He’s someone that has done very well in recent years and he’s playing at the top of his form right now.

“(He) has worked with some professionals on the clay court field. So definitely someone to look into seriously. I’m looking forward to the next battle, to the next difficulty that’s set. Can’t wait to compete against Felix.”

(Photo credit Ray Giubilo)


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.