French Open – results men: Tsitsipas continues to struggle in Roland-Garros – Hurkacz needs five sets

Jiri Vesely (Czech Republic) sniffed the set equalizer against Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece/No. 5) in the fourth round, had break chances and even four set points in the tie-break. “He wants to win the game almost by force, but he has to stay relaxed,” criticized Eurosport-Expert Boris Becker the Greeks.

But then Tsitsipas pulled through with nerves of steel. He is in round two of the clay court Grand Slam for the sixth time in a row. Tsitsipas had more problems than expected on the Philippe Chatrier court with his opponent, who slipped down to world number 445 due to a persistent thigh injury.

“He’s still missing a tournament victory that gives him self-confidence in 2023,” gave Eurosportexpert Barbara Rittner to consider: “He lacks a little lightness. He will have to improve.” Becker saw it that way too.

“He has to improve a lot on his basic strokes. There were too many simple mistakes. His backhand was also shaky. His arm wasn’t loose,” said the six-time Grand Slam winner.

Khachanov comes back after 0:2

The Paris finalist of 2021 is one of the extended circle of favorites in Roland Garros this year. He is still waiting for his first Grand Slam title.

Meanwhile, Olympic finalist Karen Khachanov (No. 11) lost two sets against local hero Constant Lestienne (France). It was 3: 6, 1: 6 after less than 90 minutes. But then the Russian showed fighting spirit and won 3:6, 1:6, 6:2, 6:1, 6:3 after 3:41 hours.

Hubert Hurkacz (Poland/No. 13) also needed five sets against the quarter finalist from 2016, David Goffin (Belgium) – 6: 3, 5: 7, 6: 4, 2: 6, 6: 4 after 3:37 Hours.

Wild card holder Thanasi Kokkinakis (Australia) managed a small surprise, beating 20th seed Dan Evans (Great Britain) 6:4, 6:4, 6:4.

In the second round there is also the Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner, who surprisingly clearly 6: 4, 7: 6 (8: 6), 6: 2 against the American Maxime Cressy (44th place) who is 74 places higher in the world rankings ) prevailed.

(with SID)