Georgia’s top tennis player Nikoloz Basilashvili has defeated the world No.3 player Stefanos Tsitsipas, earning ‘the biggest win of his career’ to reach his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final.
First ATP Masters 1000 semi-final ????
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 15, 2021
???????? Nikoloz Basilashvili defeats World No. 3 Stef Tsitsipas 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 to reach the final four at the #BNPPO21. pic.twitter.com/023aoavlHh
First time in the quarter-finals and it is a big court and Stefanos is a super tough player. I had to keep my physical levels and energy levels in a really good shape because I knew mentally I would be a little bit tight and stressed”, Basilashvili said.
Having qualified for the semi-finals in Indian Wells, Basilashvili, 29, will now face Alexander Zverev or Taylor Fritz for a place in the final.
The Georgian was competing in his maiden Masters 1000 quarter-final and produced an impressive performance as he caused Tsitsipas problems from the baseline with his powerful groundstrokes, raising his level in the third set to advance after two hours and nine minutes”, ATP has reported.
Stunning tennis when it mattered most ????
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 15, 2021
Nikoloz Basilashvili held his nerve to complete a fantastic victory ???? #BNPPO21 pic.twitter.com/HfA0VuW8Bg
The BNP Paribas Open, the first of nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, showcases the players at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
Nikoloz Basilashvili, who was charged with violence again his ex-wife Neli Dorokashvili last year and is on bail now, denies the charges.