Tsitsipas starts Gstaad with confident win

Stefanos Tsitsipas ended a five-match loss streak to top 50 opponent as the former semi-finalist defeated Ignacio Buzo 6-4, 6-4 on Tuesday for a second-round place at the Swiss Open Gstaad.

The former world No. 3 who now stands 85th after a dreadful season and a split with his father as longtime coach, looks to have begun the process of recovering his ranking, since his season highlight – a fourth round at the Madrid Masters three months ago.

Tsitsipas lost a semi-final here in 2024 to Matteo Berrettini, a pre-event injury pullout at this edition in the Alps, with 1,050 metres of altitude markedly speeding up the clay.

The 27-year-old Greek was in total control of the opening set but traded breaks in the seventh and eighth games of the second against a Portuguese opponent ranked 33rd.

Tsitsipas then secured a 5-4 lead with an ace and broke Buso in a long final game of five deuces, going through to the second round on his second match point after 96 minutes.

“lI felt close to breaking in every single (one of his service) games,” the winner said. “I held on throughout the match.

“I was always there and capable of breaking. It was great tennis from my side. I’m happy with how I fired today.”

The six-time Grand Slam semi-finalist said he is keen to return to his best level. “I’m hungry and I want to prove that on the court.

“There is an opportunity this week to showcase my best tennis. I want to build on this win and proceed with confidence.”