Stefanos Tsitsipas makes big claim about the Australian Open after first-round win

Tsitsipas was delighted with the win and made a bold claim about the Australian Open during his post-match interview.

Stefanos Tsitsipas says the Australian Open fans are his favorite

“Well, they’re obviously my favorite fans in the world,” he said.

“People are going to be like, ‘Yeah, whatever, you have other favorite fans elsewhere in the world, guys, no, it’s not like that.

“You have treated me really nice the last couple of years, I love playing in Melbourne. I’ve said it in the past, it almost feels like a second home here.

“I’m really happy seeing all of you cheering me on in every single match I’ve played in Melbourne, over the last couple of years.

“I’ve had some really passionate Greek fans show up to my matches and light up the court, that always comes in handy.

“I’d rather have that than not have it, so thank you for it!”

Tsitsipas also assessed his performance against Mochizuki.

“Lock in! That was the one word I was using the entire time,” he said.

“I kept reminding myself to stay present in the moment, to lock in. I felt like, at times, I wasn’t really locked in, in the way I was expecting myself to be.

“I’m really glad with the last three sets, I delivered a great level of tennis, Shintaro [Mochizuki] also, made my life a little bit difficult in the beginning.

“I was trying to find solutions and ways to get him out of position, and it worked, so really glad with the ending of it.”

Stefanos Tsitsipas expects a ‘big fight’ against Tomas Machac

Tsitsipas was pleased to secure the win, but knows the opposition is about to get a lot tougher.

“I’ve played him [Tomas Machac] before, tough opponent, one of the tougher second rounds in a Slam,” he said.

“I’m hoping I can come in well prepared and not have that first dip I had today in the match.

“I’m just wishing I can deliver that same level of tennis that I showed in the last couple of hours here.

“It’s going to be a fight; it’s not going to be an easy match. I’m expecting a big fight, I’m hoping to enjoy the fight and enjoy the procedure of getting to fight against a great opponent like that and seeing where that leaves me.”

Tsitsipas won their one previous meeting, at the Vienna Open in 2023.

Only time will tell if he can repeat the feat in Melbourne.

Tsitsipas will play Machac in the second round of the 2026 Australian Open on Thursday, January 22.