Roger Federer’s success at the Australian Open is undeniable. The 37-year-old holds six titles at the year’s first major, which is tied for the tournament record with Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson. The Swiss had reached at least the semi-finals in 14 of the past 15 years.
But on Sunday evening, Federer lost in the fourth round. Despite having four chances to take a two-set lead against reigning Next Gen ATP Finals champion Stefanos Tsitsipas, the third seed could not battle through, as the 20-year-old took advantage of the small opening in front of him to work his way into the match and eventually reach his maiden Grand Slam quarter-final.
“I lost to a better player who was playing very well tonight. Hung in there, gave himself chances at some point, stayed calm,” said Federer, who will drop from the Top 5 of the ATP Rankings on 28 January. “It’s not always easy, especially for younger guys. Credit to him for taking care of that.”
Tsitsipas made a massive breakthrough in 2018, climbing from No. 91 in the ATP Rankings to No. 15, earning his maiden ATP Tour title in Stockholm and triumphing in Milan. His dream run to the Rogers Cup championship match earlier in the year was unforgettable. But despite this being a night match on Rod Laver Arena, Tsitsipas stepped out into the sun.
“I see him definitely being high up in the game for a long time,” Federer said. “That was a good night for him tonight.”
Glaringly, Federer was unable to convert on all 12 break points he earned in the match. In the second set, the Swiss had eight opportunities, but could not take advantage of any of them. The 12 opportunities he missed out on are the most break points Federer has ever failed to convert without breaking. The four set-point chances he missed out on were also crucial, allowing Tsitsipas to gain a foothold in the battle.
Most Break Points Federer Has Earned Without Converting
*No stats available for all Davis Cup matches and 2000, 2004 Olympics
“I have massive regrets tonight. I might not look the part, but I am,” Federer said. “I felt like I have to win the second set. I don’t care how I do it, but I have to do it. Cost me the game tonight.”
Perhaps the question is simple: how did that happen? Federer entered the match in great form, winning all nine of his sets in the first three rounds with little difficulty. He proved opportunistic in those clashes as well, converting 10 of 23 break points he earned through the third round.
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“There is always multiple factors that play into a match like this. But it definitely didn’t go the way I was hoping on the break points,” Federer said. “Clearly something is wrong how I return him, what I’m trying to do. He’s doing a good job to defend them. Nevertheless, it’s very frustrating.
“He did a nice job of taking care of his half volleys. That’s maybe what won him the match tonight, I’m not sure.”
Federer departs Australia after missing the semi-finals of a fourth consecutive Grand Slam (did not play at 2018 Roland Garros), the first time that has happened to the Swiss since making the last four at a major for the first time at 2003 Wimbledon, where he also claimed his maiden Slam title. But the 99-time tour-level titlist gave plenty of credit to Tsitsipas, who will now play Doha champion Roberto Bautista Agut for a spot in the last four. The Greek began 2018 with four tour-level match wins and now, after his four victories in Melbourne, Tsitsipas has 55.
“I think he’s definitely done a really nice job now the last year and a half. I mean before that, too, obviously. But beating Novak [Djokovic] in Toronto, the likes of [Kevin] Anderson and [Alexander] Zverev, now me here. That’s what you need to do to get to the next level,” Federer said. “He’s doing that. It’s really nice for him.”
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