Stefanos Tsitsipas is into the quarterfinals of the Almaty Open after an “odd” victory over Mikhail Kukushkin.
The Greek star made the claim immediately after the match because it was his opponent’s final appearance before retiring. Home favourite Kukushkin has decided to call time on his career at the Almaty Open, with his loss to Tsitsipas representing his final match.
Seventh seed Tsitsipas beat the 38-year-old 6-1, 6-2, having overcome Aleksandar Kovacevic in his opening match of the ATP 250 event in Kazakhstan. He now meets James Duckworth in the quarterfinals, ahead of which he has discussed what it was like to play in Kukushkin’s farewell.
Stefanos Tsitsipas wins ‘odd’ Almaty Open match vs Mikhail Kukushkin
Tsitsipas spoke on court after the win, where he was asked if he was aware beforehand that it would be his opponent’s last match. He replied: “Yes, I was aware. It’s a very eerie, odd feeling to be playing someone that’s going to play his last career match. So it’s not a situation that you want to find yourself too often in. It hits you a little bit harder.
“I’ve got to say, you feel for your opponent a little bit more than you usually are in any type of scenario or match. It’s a difficult thing knowing that you were coming close to victory in probably the last few points of his career. What can I say? This is his moment. This day is entirely dedicated for him.”
And looking forward to his quarterfinal in Almaty, Tsitsipas said: “Well, I’ve got to be ready. He can bring a big game out on the court. I’ve been observing him a little bit in the last couple of days that he’s playing. He’s someone that can play really good on this type of surface, indoor hardcourt.
“So I’m hoping to be fit. I’m hoping to be healthy. And competing obviously at my highest level is the objective. And that’s what I’m striving and aiming for in that particular occasion. And I really want to bring my A-game against a respectful opponent like him.”
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It will be the second career meeting between the Greek ace and the Australian, who has just knocked out second seed Luciano Darderi in Almaty. Tsitsipas won their maiden match, winning their 2018 Washington last 16 clash 6-3, 6-4.
Meanwhile, Kukushkin will retire with one ATP title to his name, which arrived at St. Petersburg in 2010. He once climbed as high as 39 in the world rankings, and was a regular for his nation at the Davis Cup. Tsitsipas showed his appreciation for his rival right after the 62-minute win, asking him to sign a shirt for his fitness coach’s son.