How Did Italian Qualifier Matteo Gigante Stun Tsitsipas at the French Open?
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Synopsis
In an unexpected turn at the French Open, Italian qualifier Matteo Gigante triumphed over former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas. This marks Gigante's first foray into the third round of a major tournament, as he showcases remarkable skill and resilience on the clay courts of Roland Garros.
Key Takeaways
- Matteo Gigante secures a stunning upset over Stefanos Tsitsipas.
- This victory marks Gigante's first entry into the third round of a major.
- Tsitsipas is set to drop out of the Top 20 for the first time since August 2018.
- Gigante saved all eight break points faced in the fourth set.
- He will next compete against American Ben Shelton.
Paris, May 28 (NationPress) Italian qualifier Matteo Gigante delivered a surprising performance at the French Open on Wednesday, defeating former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas from Greece with a score of 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 to secure a spot in the third round of a major tournament for the very first time.
This victory marks Gigante's first win against a Top 20 player and will lead to Tsitsipas falling out of the Top 20 for the first time since August 2018, once the latest rankings are updated post-French Open.
Tsitsipas entered this match with an impressive 27-8 record at the clay-court Grand Slam. Having been just one set away from clinching the title in Paris four years ago, he also reached the quarterfinals in both 2023 and 2024.
However, the three-time champion in Monte-Carlo was unable to leverage his extensive experience and clay-court skills against Gigante, who is participating in only his second major main draw.
The 23-year-old Italian managed to keep Tsitsipas off-balance with his powerful forehand and diverse backhand angles, while crucially saving all eight break points he encountered in the fourth set, ultimately sealing his victory in their very first Lexus ATP Head2Head encounter.
As Gigante advances to the third round of a major for the first time, he rises 37 positions to No. 130 in the ATP Live Rankings and is slated to face American Ben Shelton next.
Conversely, Tsitsipas has dropped to No. 25 in the Live Rankings and is set to exit the Top 20 for the first time since August 2018. The latest defeat underscores his ongoing struggles over the past 18 months.
Following his exit from the Top 10 in February 2024, Tsitsipas has not progressed beyond the fourth round in seven of his last eight major tournaments. While the former ATP Finals champion did claim the title at the ATP 500 event in Dubai earlier this year, he currently stands 17th in the ATP Live Race To Turin.
Point of View
I must emphasize the importance of recognizing emerging talents like Matteo Gigante, whose performance at the French Open not only disrupts the status quo but also exemplifies the dynamic nature of tennis today. This match serves as a reminder that the sport is always evolving, and new champions are ready to emerge.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Matteo Gigante?
Matteo Gigante is an Italian tennis player who recently made headlines for upsetting former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas at the French Open.
What was the score of the match?
Matteo Gigante defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas with a score of 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4.
What does this victory mean for Gigante?
This victory marks Gigante's first time reaching the third round of a major tournament and is his first win against a Top 20 player.
What is Tsitsipas's current ranking?
After this match, Stefanos Tsitsipas is projected to fall to No. 25 in the ATP Live Rankings.
Who will Gigante face next?
Matteo Gigante will face American Ben Shelton in the next round of the French Open.
