French Open 2023: Carlos Alcaraz ‘biggest obstacle’ says Stefanos Tsitsipas ahead of quarter-final showdown

Stefanos Tsitsipas hailed World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz’s consistency, describing the Spanish star as one of tennis’s most formidable opponents ahead of their quarter-final showdown in the French Open 2023.

Former Roland Garros runner-up Tsitsipas defeated Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner 7-5, 6-3, 6-0 to set-up the quarter-finals against top seed Alcaraz, where he will seek his first victory against the Spaniard in their fifth meeting.

Meanwhile, Alcaraz crushed Italian Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 on Sunday to advance to the quarter-finals of the French Open. Tsitsipas, who has only dropped one set in four matches, will have his toughest test in the final eight when he faces Alcaraz.

“The clash we’ve all been waiting for. I think everyone was expecting it, weren’t they? It’s here. It’s game on,” Tsitsipas, who had described Alcaraz as a breath of fresh air to tennis for his charisma and constant smiles, told reporters.

“Carlos is someone that keeps the intensity high at all times. He’s someone that’s not going to give you gaps where his attention isn’t there. He’s very hyper. He’s very energetic and you can see that on the court,” Tsitsipas said.

Tsitsipas’ last meeting with 20-year-old Alcaraz was on the claycourts of Barcelona, where he was soundly defeated 6-3, 6-4 a year ago after suffering a three-set defeat at the same location.

“He adds a lot of that into the rallies, into his rituals when he is out there playing the game. He has a lot of that when he plays. I think it has helped him a lot.

“He has that smile that he said obviously helps him a lot. Right now he’s one of the biggest obstacles and challenges for any player to compete against. It pushes us all to be better.”