Step by Step

Is Tsitsipas slowly moving toward the top again?

The Greeks' draw certainly has not been easy so far. Fils in the first round, and then Lloyd Harris in very good form after that. He managed to win both matches in four sets, but it certainly was not easy, especially at the start of both matches. Tsitsipas was actually down a set and 5-2 to Fils before making a huge comeback, taking the second set and the following two sets. Against Harris, he struggled a lot in the first set... not able to read the serve at all, while struggling in his own service games. So, we've had two comeback wins, a bit gritty. I will say, though, I quite like his level. His backhand and return are still weaknesses, but at least it seems like they are not as exploitable; it has gotten better. His forehand has been great, a huge weapon. Now, I've mentioned several times that I find him more consistent against the players outside the top. However, we saw that he really struggled against the top players still- the big hitters that can rush him. He lost to Fonseca in straight-sets in Montreal and also to Auger-Aliassime in straight sets in Cincinnati. My issue is that he looked a lot worse in both of these matches. He had not really beaten any great player ahead of those matches, though, so perhaps it could change this time, with two strong wins (especially Fils)?

While Lehecka managed to drop a set in his opening round against Carreno-Busta, he has still been able to keep matches short, which is obviously crucial if you want to get deep in a Grand Slam. We were expecting a challenge in his second round against Toby Samuel, but truth be told, the Brit was a complete no-show. I was also a bit surprised by his decision to play ultra-aggressively against someone like Lehecka... trying to beat him at his own game. Perhaps he was feeling fatigued or ill, but it was a strategy that did not pay off at all- an easy straight-sets win for Lehecka. I have found the Czech to be solid but not amazing during the American hardcourt swing. He tends to handle the players he should handle, but struggles against the top players, a bit like Tsitsipas! He lost to Jodar in Montreal and Fils in Cincinnati; in both matches, he was severely outplayed.

Today, they'll be playing on Grandstand, one of the faster courts at the USO. We should once again see some tough conditions; it looks like it's going to be a rather sunny and warm day. Generally, we don't like Tsitsipas against this kind of big hitter, but perhaps that win against Fils (who had dominated the H2H) can give him some belief here? Lehecka plays fast and aggressively, but the Greek has a bit more creativity in his game. Will Lehecka be able to successfully rush Tsitsipas and target his backhand (like FAA did), or can the Greek keep his good run going?