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Colombian qualifier Daniel Elahi Galan described his shock victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas as one of the top moments of his career. On the opening day of the US Open, 94th-ranked Galan pulled a major surprise as he ousted fourth-seeded Tsitsipas 6-0 6-1 3-6 7-5.
Galan, 26, clinched his first top-10 victory by beating Tsitsipas in the US Open first round. “Definitely one of the best moments of my career,” Galan said, via the ATP website. “Definitely the best match of my career, not only because of the circumstances, also the opponent.
I’m really happy”.
Galan didn't let Tsitsipas create a big comeback
Galan got off to a stunning start to the match, breaking Tsitsipas five times in a row and winning the first 11 games for a 6-0 5-0 lead. Down by two sets, Tsitsipas earned his first break of the match in the second game of the third set and then held on to his serve the rest of the set to force a fourth set.
Then, Tsitsipas broke Galan in the opening game of the fourth set but the Colombian broke back in the eighth game. After saving five match in the 10th game, Tsitsipas saved three more break points in the 12th game - but Galan finally realized his ninth match point to complete a four-set win.
“I think he started playing better in the third set. He served much better than the first two and I was putting the serve in the court, but not putting pressure on him. He was always in control," Galan said. "I think he felt really comfortable during those two sets.
I tried to change a little bit the position when I was returning and that was a change a lot because I was able to return [deeper] and he was not so offensive on the first ball, so I was able to do a little bit more”. In the second round, Galan plays Jordan Thompson who defeated Lorenzo Sonego in the first round.