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Stefanos Tsitsipas has survived a major test at the US Open, defeating South Africa\u2019s Lloyd Harris 6-7(1), 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-4 after a gruelling three-hour, 28-minute battle.<\/strong><\/p>\n The Greek star showed resilience and composure when it mattered most, recovering after dropping a dramatic opening set to secure his place in the third round at Flushing Meadows.<\/p>\n The victory sees Tsitsipas reach the third round of the US Open for the third time in his career, matching his previous best performances at the tournament in 2020 and 2021.<\/p>\n Now, however, the 28-year-old will be looking to go further than he has managed before in New York.<\/p>\n The opening set was a tense affair, with neither player able to establish a clear advantage.<\/p>\n Tsitsipas survived several difficult service games, but Harris eventually created a decisive opportunity in the 11th game. The Greek saved one break point but then double faulted on the second, allowing Harris to move ahead 6-5.<\/p>\n Tsitsipas immediately fought back, benefiting from a double fault from Harris to force a tiebreak.<\/p>\n The South African then took control, racing to a 6-1 lead before closing out the set 7-6(1).<\/p>\n Tsitsipas raised his level in the second set and began putting greater pressure on Harris\u2019s serve.<\/p>\n After the players exchanged holds early on, Tsitsipas finally found the breakthrough in the seventh game, earning a break to move 4-3 ahead.<\/p>\n He protected the advantage and then produced another strong service game before converting his set point to level the match at one set apiece, 6-3.<\/p>\n The third set developed into another dramatic battle.<\/p>\n Tsitsipas initially looked comfortable, winning his opening service games without dropping a point and moving into a 3-2 lead.<\/p>\n Harris then struck back.<\/p>\n A second double fault from Tsitsipas handed the South African a break and a 4-3 advantage. But Tsitsipas responded immediately, creating multiple break opportunities and eventually restoring parity at 4-4.<\/p>\n The Greek was then forced to dig deep again. After holding serve to move 5-4 ahead, he reached four set points while Harris served at 5-6.<\/p>\n Harris saved them all to force another tiebreak.<\/p>\n This time, Tsitsipas held his nerve.<\/p>\n He moved ahead 4-2, was pegged back to 4-4, but a double fault from Harris helped the Greek regain control. Tsitsipas closed out the tiebreak 7-4 to take a 2-1 lead in the match.<\/p>\n By the fourth set, Harris was visibly struggling to maintain the same intensity.<\/p>\n Tsitsipas had opportunities to break early but could not capitalise, while Harris continued to hang on.<\/p>\n The Greek eventually found the breakthrough in the ninth game.<\/p>\n After moving ahead 5-4, Tsitsipas stepped up to serve for the match.<\/p>\n He made no mistake.<\/p>\n The Greek closed out the fourth set 6-4 to complete a hard-fought victory and book his place in the last 32.<\/p>\n Tsitsipas will now face Czech Republic\u2019s Jiri Lehecka for a place in the fourth round.<\/p>\n Lehecka advanced comfortably, defeating Britain\u2019s Toby Samuel 6-4, 6-2, 6-4.<\/p>\n The match will provide Tsitsipas with another major test as he attempts to produce his deepest US Open run yet.<\/p>\n After nearly three and a half hours against Harris, Tsitsipas will take confidence from the way he recovered from losing the opening set and twice responded to pressure when the match appeared to be slipping away.<\/p>\n For the Greek star, the message is clear: the US Open campaign is only getting started.<\/p>\nHarris takes the opening set<\/h3>\n
Tsitsipas responds<\/h3>\n
Greek star survives another scare<\/h3>\n
Tsitsipas delivers the decisive blow<\/h3>\n
Lehecka awaits in the third round<\/h3>\n