ATP No. 6 Alex de Minaur secured a hard-fought victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the opening round of the 2026 Citi Open in Washington, D.C. The Australian, who won this event in 2025, needed three sets to overcome the Greek challenger, ultimately prevailing 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
De Minaur claimed the first set 6-4 despite struggling with his serve, recording six double faults during the opening frame. Tsitsipas, who recently claimed the title at the Gstaad Open, struggled to find rhythm, landing only 50 percent of his first serves and encountering recurring issues with his backhand.
The second set saw a resurgence from Tsitsipas. He minimized unforced errors and utilized elite angles on his groundstrokes to break de Minaur and level the match with a 6-3 set win. However, the momentum shifted back to the Australian in the third set. De Minaur secured a critical break in the fourth game and consolidated it with a love hold. Tsitsipas’ frustration became visible as the set progressed, culminating in a racket-breaking incident on the court.
Despite the setback, Tsitsipas managed to hold his remaining service games, but he failed to generate significant pressure on the Australian’s serve. De Minaur closed out the match 6-3 to set up a second-round encounter against Cruz Hewitt.
Follow-up Questions
What is confirmed in this story?
Alex de Minaur survives Stefanos Tsitsipas scare at the Citi Open Alex de Minaur overcame a tough challenge from Stefanos Tsitsipas at the 2026 Citi Open, securing a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win to advance to the tournament's second round.
What should readers watch next?
De Minaur claimed the first set 6-4 despite struggling with his serve, recording six double faults during the opening frame.
What remains unclear: The available reporting does not yet fully settle the next step in the story.
Perspectives
Alex de Minaur's view vs Stefanos Tsitsipas' view
Story lens
Alex de Minaur's view
Despite early service struggles, de Minaur maintained momentum by raising his level in the final set, showing the consistency required to defend his previous success at the event
Stefanos Tsitsipas' view
The Greek player remains in a period of inconsistency, alternating between high-level shot-making and frustration, as evidenced by his inability to maintain pressure in the third set
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