World number nine Stefanos Tsitsipas showcased a flawless performance to knock out Matteo Berrettini in straight sets, advancing to the round of 16 at the BNP Paribas Open on Sunday afternoon.
Eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas makes it through the fourth round at the BNP Paribas Open after delivering an impressive performance to outlast world No. 29 Matteo Berrettini with a 6-3, 6-3 win in just 68 minutes.
After extending his winning streak to seven matches, Greece’s top racquet outlined: “I have to focus on my serve. That’s the priority. I’m thinking of how I am going to hold serve, how I’m going to press the opponent. There’s an added bonus of holding easier, you have more time to focus on the return.”
The resurgent Greek player arrived in Indian Wells with the wind in his sails after capturing his 12th tour-level title, his first at the ATP 500 level, in Dubai last week. And he is keeping his momentum going, competing at the first Masters 1000 of the season, where he stormed to the round of 16 for the third time in seven appearances on Sunday afternoon.
The former world No. 3 played aggressive tennis from the onset, staying solid on serve – won 92 percent of the points on his first delivery to neutralize Berrettini, who could not find his rhythm against an inspired opponent.
A combination of depth and power earned the 26-year-old a chance to break early in the opening set, which he did not let slip, quickly extending his lead to 3-0.
In his following three games on serve, the 28th seed made the most of his trademark booming service, firing five aces, but it would not be enough to damage his adversary.
Tsitsipas did not face a lone battle at deuce all set, comfortably pocketing the opener 6-3 in 30 minutes.
Picking up where he left off, the three-times Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters champion continued to add pressure over the Roman native, breaking twice before sealing the second set 6-3, booking his ticket to the next round.
Moreover, the 26-year-old was sharp on his forehand and executed with precision his game when moving forward, winning 100 percent of his net approaches.
Tsitsipas, who did not face a break point throughout the match, hit 12 winners against 11 unforced errors compared to the Italian 12 and 21, respectively.
Next, he will face either Dane Holger Rune or Frenchman Ugo Humbert.
