Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered a tough loss at the United Cup. The former Major finalist fell to Alexander Shevchenko 6-4, 7-6 in an hour and 52 minutes in Greece’s loss to Kazakhstan. World no. 78 outplayed world no. 11 behind the second serve and prevailed in pivotal moments.
Alexander faced two break points and dropped serve once. He took 40% of the return points and provided two breaks from four chances, bringing home one of his finest victories. Stefanos pulled the break back in the second set and extended his chances.
However, he dropped the tie break 7-0 to experience his first defeat of the season.
OUT OF THIS WORLD 🤯
Shevchenko continues to work his magic in the second set 🇰🇿#UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/AjpoCtySMz
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) December 30, 2024
Stefanos kicked off the match with two fine holds and created a break chance at 2-1 after Alexander’s forehand error. The Kazakh denied it after an extended rally and held for 2-2 after more deuces. Tsitsipas faced issues on serve at 3-3.
He missed a routine forehand and offered his rival a break chance. World no. 11 hit a costly double fault, dropping serve and falling 4-3 behind. Shevchenko fired a service winner in the eighth game for 5-3 and served for the opener in game ten.
Alexander Shevchenko & Stefanos Tsitsipas, United Cup 2025© Stream screenshot
Stefanos landed a return winner for 30-15 but could not do much against the rival’s three service winners. Thus, Alexander claimed the opener 6-4 in 43 minutes. Tsitsipas did not feel well in challenging conditions, taking a medical timeout after the first point of the second set.
He continued and experienced a break at love, sending his opponent closer to the finish line. Shevchenko provided two fine holds and had a chance to seal the deal with another break in game five. However, Tsitsipas denied two break points and remained in contention.
Alexander Shevchenko, United Cup 2025© Stream screenshot
The Greek survived more deuces on serve in the seventh game and made a push on the return at 3-4. Alexander missed a game point and experienced a break after Stefanos’ forehand drive-volley winner. Thus, the favorite locked the result at 4-4, improving his chances.
They served well in the remaining four games and introduced a tie break. Tsitsipas played a wild forehand in the first point and missed another two points later to fall 3-0 behind. Shevchenko claimed two more mini-breaks, opening a 5-0 lead after the rival’s double fault.
The Kazakh generated six match points with a service winner and converted the first after the rival’s volley mistake, sealing the deal and sending his team in front.
Tennis World USA