Stefanos Tsitsipas faces Nick Kyrgios in a big clash at Wimbledon on Saturday, with the winner likely to be the main hurdle on Rafael Nadal’s path to the final.
The fourth seed, Tsitsipas, is the only other player in the top 10 left in the Christmas box, while Australian ignited Kyrgios is a match for anyone in his day.
The Greek player faces a man he has only won once in four games.
His initial victory over Briton Paul Jubb was affected by his admission which he spat out in the direction of the fans, whom he accused of being disrespectful, and also targeted officials.
“I just feel comfortable with my own skin,” the No. 40 player said after his victory in straight sets over Filip Krajinovic.
Tsitsipas, who reached the fourth round in 2018, said he was “excited” to face Kyrgios, who beat Nadal on his way to the quarter-finals in 2014.
A Kyrgios win on Saturday would give him his tenth win of the season on turf this summer.
“I haven’t played much on turf in three years,” said the 22-time Grand Slam winner after his four-set victory over Ricardas Berankis.
“I need to improve. The fourth set has been much better … I have to keep working, be humble, even when things don’t go well.”
Harmony Tan, who eliminated Serena Williams in the first round, knocked down British wildcard Katie Boulter 6-1, 6-1 in just 51 minutes to reach the fourth round.
“I think I like grass,” said Tan, who ranks 115th in the world. “I never play on this court, but I like to play with slice and volleyball and all with my game, so I’m very happy.
Tan will then play between Coco Gauff, 11th seed, or Amanda Anisimova, 20th seed.
The Polish series leader, who was asked if his streak of victories gave him confidence, said it didn’t cross his mind while playing matches.
The fourth seed, Paula Badosa, faces two-time former champion Petra Kvitova in one of the most striking links in the third round.
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