Tsitsipas's Gritty Stand in Almaty Opener
In a match that pushed him to the brink, Stefanos Tsitsipas emerged victorious against Aleksandar Kovacevic with a hard-fought 7-6(9), 3-6, 6-3 scoreline. The two-hour clash was a tactical battle, especially notable as both players wield a one-handed backhand, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
The former World No. 3 faced immense pressure, particularly in the opening set tie-break where he stared down three set points. His ability to claw back and convert his own opportunity proved to be the pivotal moment, demonstrating the kind of clutch play that defines champions.
Post-match, Tsitsipas credited his “persistence” and acknowledged Kovacevic’s exceptional serving and significant improvement. This victory marks his 35th of the season, with 18 of those coming since his impressive run in Gstaad back in mid-July.
Next up for the Greek star is a second-round encounter with Kazakh wild card Mikhail Kukushkin, who is playing his final career event before retirement. Tsitsipas holds a dominant **4-0** lead in their head-to-head series, setting the stage for a compelling narrative.
Khachanov's Strong Statement; Seeds Await
Joining Tsitsipas in the second round was former Top-10 player Karen Khachanov, who delivered a more straightforward performance. The fifth seed powered past Rei Sakamoto 6-2, 6-4, sending a clear message about his intentions in Almaty.
The **Almaty Open** boasts a strong field, with Khachanov being one of three former champions alongside defending titlist Daniil Medvedev and 2023 winner Adrian Mannarino. Their presence promises a high-stakes tournament as the action unfolds.
Other notable first-round results saw Sho Shimabukuro rally past Roman Safiullin in three sets to earn a challenging second-round match against top seed Daniil Medvedev. Meanwhile, Frenchman Terence Atmane ousted Rinky Hijikata, and Hungarian **Fabian Marozsan** defeated home favorite **Timofey Skatov**, setting up a intriguing showdown with third seed **Alexander Bublik**.
