Stefanos Tsitsipas' brutal US Open detail shock tennis world
Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered the ignominy of being 'bageled' by qualifier Daniel Elahi Galan during a shock defeat in the first round of the US Open.
On an opening day of drama at Flushing Meadows, the World No.5 became the latest big name to be sent packing on day one, going down 6-0, 6-1, 3-6, 7-5 against the 94th ranked Galan.
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The Colombian qualifier needed nine match points to defeat an out of sorts Tsitsipas, who appeared to be battling through a right forearm injury.
The 26-year-old did not lose a set in qualifying for the grand slam and took that form with him in an opening two sets that left the tennis world stunned.
Galan won the first 11 games, before Tstisipas eventually got on the board to avoid what would have been the first double bagel of his professional career.
That would have been scant comfort for the Greek, who had his troublesome right forearm massaged on several occasions throughout the match.
After conceding the first two sets, Tstisipas looked to have flicked a switch as he roared back into the contest to set up a fourth set.
With Galan beginning to hit some wayward errors, Tstisipas edged ahead only to let his unfancied opponent once again gain the upper hand.
Tstisipas refused to give up after staving off eight match points, before finally sending a shot long as Galan celebrated an unlikely victory.
The Colombian's shock win sees him set up a second round showdown with Australian Jordan Thompson, who rallied past Italian Lorenzo Sonego 2-6, 1-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4.
The brutal nature of the Tsitsipas reality check left tennis fans in disbelief on social media.
Wow.
Colombian qualifier Daniel Galan upsets #4 Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-0, 6-1, 3-6, 7-5 to reach the 2nd round of the #USOpen.
Incredible result.— José Morgado (@josemorgado) August 30, 2022
Stefanos Tsitsipas just got bageled by Daniel Elahi Galan. Wait, what?#USOpen
— Biola Solace-Chukwu (@Beeorlicious) August 29, 2022
Stefanos Tsitsipas is OUT!
He saved an incredible 8 match points but the brilliant Colombian Daniel Elahi Galan got there on his 9th.
Tsitsipas looked unwell, but still, this is a huge, huge upset. #USOpen— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) August 30, 2022
Upset alert! #USOpen Tsitsipas out. Galan (COL) with a win in 4 (including a first set bagel!) https://t.co/rPOnK2uHLL
— Kathy (@leafsweetie) August 30, 2022
Tsitsipas conceded a bagel in first set😂 This guy
— S3 (@Jamesmology) August 30, 2022
Galan served up Tsitsipas a bagel and a breadstick 😂 #USOpen
— Andre (@AndreTheFiend) August 30, 2022
At least Tsitsipas won't go hungry, what with that bagel and breadstick he got...
— Aaron M. Fugate 🦚 (@Sconnie_Author) August 30, 2022
SHOCK ALERT;
Top 5 ranked Tsitsipas is OUT in R1 of the Moderna Open to world ranked 94 Daniel Galan. It is the first time ever Galan has won a match at the @usopen a HUGE shock.#ModernaOpen #tsitsipasOUT— Pavvy G (@pavyg) August 30, 2022
Alex de Minaur sets up revenge match
In other men's action on day one, Alex de Minaur continued his hot American summer to steam into second round, with a 7-5 6-2 6-3 victory over Serbian Filip Krajinovic.
The Aussie 18th seed's straight-sets victory atoned for a first-round exit last year after previously producing his two best grand slam results at Flushing Meadows.
He was a quarter-finalist in 2020 and reached the last 16 the year before.
Relishing the faster conditions, de Minaur swept past Krajinovic in less than two hours to book a rematch against his Wimbledon conqueror Cristian Garin, who beat Jiri Lehecka in four sets.
Daniil Medvedev thrashed American Stefan Kozlov 6-2 6-4 6-0, wrapping up the final set in just 28 minutes.
The World No.1, who was denied entry to the last grand slam at Wimbledon due to his homeland's invasion of Ukraine, is seeking to become the first player to retain the title since Roger Federer from 2004-08.
Two other past champions went out on day one, with 2020 champion Dominic Thiem - who missed last year because of injury - falling to Pablo Carreño Busta in four sets.
The 2016 winner, Stan Wawrinka, was forced to retire from his match against Corentin Moutet after losing a second-set tiebreaker. He has been plagued by injuries in recent years.
Andy Murray was pleased not to spend more than three sets on court against Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo - cruising through to the next round with a 7-5 6-3 6-3 win.
Elsewhere American Tommy Paul came from behind twice to beat Spain's Bernabe Zapata Miralles 4-6 6-3 2-6 6-0 7-5 in what was the first five-setter of the tournament and his first career win at his home grand slam.
Fellow American Sebastian Korda also broke that hoodoo, beating Facundo Bagnis in four sets.
Another American advanced in an upset, with JJ Wolf ousting No. 16 seed Roberto Bautista Agut in straight sets.
with agencies
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