Tokyo Olympics 2021 Tennis: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Frances Tiafoe: Preview and Prediction

World number 4, Stefanos Tsitsipas sets up an intriguing encounter against the 54th-ranked Frances Tiafoe in the second round of the Tokyo Olympics 2021.  

Match Details:

Men’s Singles Second Round
Date: 27th July
Time: TBD
Venue: Ariake Tennis Park

Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Frances Tiafoe: H2H

Tsitsipas and Tiafoe are tied 1-1 in the head-to-head record. Interestingly, they have faced each other in Tokyo before at the ATP Challenger level in 2017. Stefanos won that qualifying match on outdoor hard courts in straight sets.

Key Insights:

• Both Tsitsipas and Tiafoe are playing their first-ever Olympics.
• Tsitsipas created history by becoming the first Greek man since 1924 to win a singles match at the Olympics. The last male to do that was Augustos Zerlandos 97 years ago in the Olympic Games in Paris.
• Tiafoe has an inconsistent 15-13 win-loss record in singles this season.
• Tsitsipas has won the highest number of matches in 2021. The Greek has clinched 41 clashes.
• Frances Tiafoe beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 6-3 6-3 in the first round of the Wimbledon last month.

Will Stefanos Tsitsipas get a revenge victory against Tiafoe?

Tsitsipas was totally off-color on the grass in June 2021. He was not consistent against the big-serving Tiafoe in the opener at SW19. The American took risks by coming to the net and grabbed the crucial points to win the match in straight sets.

The Greek will be pleased after pulling off a three-set victory against veteran Phillip Kohlschreiber in the first round at Tokyo. The 3rd seed converted 3 out of 4 breakpoints and smashed 15 winners. 

“It is an honour, it is a big move for Greece and this sport in Greece as well, there is joy in doing that, I am a person that’s optimistic and wants more,” said a beaming Tsitsipas after breaking the 97-year drought for wins in singles tennis at the Olympics for his country.

Stefanos Tsitsipas will be confident this time due to his prowess on outdoor hardcourts. The Next-Gen star would be concerned with his error count of 20 in the second set. The Greek may lose momentum against Tiafoe if he makes repeated mistakes.

How is Tiafoe on song in Tokyo?

The American first played men’s doubles at the Olympics with compatriot Rajeev Ram. The duo edged the Russian pair of Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov 6-7(3) 7-6(5) 12-10.

Frances Tiafoe faced no fatigue issues as he thrashed South Korean Kwon Soon-woo 6-3 6-2 in the first round. “Big Foe” did not commit a single double fault and also fired 12 aces. The 23-year-old won a staggering 85.29% of his first-serve points (29/34). Tiafoe also landed all his second serves in (16/16). 

 Wrapping Up

The extreme heat will be a cause of concern in Tokyo. 

However, the American also has a strong first serve and often moves to the net to finish off points. The fans can expect some jaw-dropping coverage from these Next-Gen sensations. Expect some tiebreakers if both players consistently hold their serves.

Prediction: Stefanos Tsitsipas to win in three sets against Frances Tiafoe in the second round of the Tokyo Olympics 2021.

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