Dutch tennis pro Griekspoor knocked out of Australian Open

Tallon Griekspoor couldn’t perform a miracle in the third round of the Australian Open. The Dutch tennis star, world number 63, was knocked out by third-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas. Griekspoor lost 2-6, 6-7(5), 3-6 at Rod Laver Arena, NOS reports.

“It’s a shame, but it was a very good start to the year,” Griekspoor said after the game. “Too bad for the loss, but Tsistipas was just one level too good.”

It was Griekspoor’s first loss of the year. He won six consecutive matches and the ATP title in Pune. And at the Australian Open, Griekspoor beat Russian Paval Kotov in the first round and Dutchman Botic van Zandschulp in the second.

Griekspoor reached the third round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time this Australian Open. He called it a wonderful experience to play on center court at Rod Laver Arena, although it caused him some problems.

“This course is much slower than the fast outdoor courts I used to play and train on before. I really had to get used to it, as if you were playing a completely different tournament,” said the Dutch tennis player. “It’s a beautiful course on which we dream of playing. I just wanted to show a little more of my best level.

“I thought Tistsipas was very good, with a very solid serve. To his credit. He’s world number three for a reason,” Griekspoor said.