Greek Freak - Tsitsipas prevails over Fritz in a five-set epic to reach quarters

Greek fourth seed Tsitsipas was behind one to two at the conclusion of the third set, but fought back to defeat No.20 Fritz of the United States 4-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the late-night match that lasted three hours and 23 minutes. In the final-eight stage, the 23-year-old will go up against 11th seed Jannik Sinner (Italy), who accounted for local hope Alex de Minaur in straight sets (7-6(3), 6-3, 6-4) earlier in the day.

“It was an epic match. I gave everything on court. I am very proud of the way I fought and the way I stayed consistent in moments that were close and critical,” said Tsitsipas, a two-time finalist at Melbourne Park who is yet to crack the code. “I am overwhelmed. The stadium was on fire; it was too good to be true,” he added.

Meanwhile, American Maxime Cressy gave second seed Daniil Medvedev of Russia a run for his money before losing 2-6, 6-7(4), 7-6(4), 5-7 in the fourth round. Medvedev will next clash with No.9 Felix Auger-Aliassime (Canada) as the latter beat Croatian veteran Marin Cilic 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-2, 7-6(4) to progress in the men’s draw. The match went on for three hours and 35 minutes.

Cornet finally in quarter-finals

In the women’s section, Alize Cornet of France finally qualified for the quarter-finals in a Grand Slam. Two days after celebrating her 32nd birthday, Cornet recovered from a second-set meltdown to get the better of 14th seed Simona Halep from Romania 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.

“It is never too late to try again! Being in my first [major] quarter-final is a dream come true. The journey goes on. I still can’t believe it,” Cornet, whose Australian Open 2022 campaign is her 63rd run at a Grand Slam, said in an on-court TV interview after her match.

Cornet will lock horns with Danielle Collins for a place in the semi-finals since the American defeated No.19 Elise Mertens of Belgium 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Second seed Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) crashed out in the fourth round after enduring a 7-5, 2-6, 6-7(7) defeat at the hands of Estonian Kaia Kanepi. Seventh seed Iga Swiatek from Poland beat Sorana Cirstea of Romania 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 to advance to the next level.