Stefanos Tsitsipas knows exactly how dangerous demolition man Nick Kyrgios can be on grass.
Two weeks ago, the explosive Kyrgios charged through 12 of the final 13 points toppling second-seeded Tsitsipas 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 on the grass of Halle.
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The fourth-seeded Tsitsipas aims to avenge that loss when he meets former Wimbledon quarterfinalist Kyrgios in a third-round showdown at SW19.
"Nick has more matches on me in these courts. He claims to like grass," Tsitsipas said of sweeping Jordan Thompson in the second round today. "I think his game is good for the grass. I am definitely thrilled to be facing him.
"I respect him a lot, on the court, what he's trying to do. Although he has been a little controversial in the past, I think he's playing good tennis."
The 40th-ranked Kyrgios has beaten Tsitsipas in three of their four meetings with four of the 11 sets they've played decided in tiebreakers.
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Tsitsipas must try to put returns back in play, particularly on his backhand wing which is predicated on a long swing. Kyrgios has clocked 54 aces through two tournament wins, second only to John Isner who has bombed 90 aces in two matches.
"I'm going to try and concentrate on doing my thing and pay attention to my own game from start to finish," Tsitsipas said. "Hopefully I can stay there and do something great, have a great competitive match against him."
The 23-year-old Greek, who posted his Tour-leading 42nd victory today, has been hitting with former Wimbledon finalist and scud server Mark Philippoussis this week.
Asked about his relationship with the 2003 Wimbledon runner-up to Roger Federer, Tsitsipas said Philippoussis isn't part of his coaching team, but is a respected and trusted advisor.
"I didn't bring anyone inside my team. Mark is welcome to come sit with us, be with us, eat with us, come join us in my practice sessions, to be also hitting with me, which I really like, to give advice," Tsitsipas said. "I'm open to listen to any kind of tennis legend giving little bits of advice that I might use and utilize.
"Yeah, it's great that it came from my father. Sometimes it's difficult having that relationship... But I'm very glad he did that himself and I didn't push anything myself.
"I was more than happy to have Mark next to us these past few days. I don't really feel there's a negative side to it. He's an absolutely great guy. He has a very good visual of the game. I mean, he has played hundreds of matches himself. He has been faced with hundreds of scenarios and situations on court."
The fifth-ranked Greek said Philippoussis' pro experience gives him insight into the mental aspect of the sport that his father and coach, Apostolos, can't match because he didn't play on the pro circuit.
"[Mark] knows the tennis psychology part, let's say, a bit more than probably my father who, as a coach, hasn't played on the tour, but obviously has other strengths as a coach," Tsitsipas said. "That can also contribute to one's, let's say, perspective on the court and help him increase his chances of what he's trying to do out there."
Photo credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport