Stefanos Tsitsipas has become the youngest player since 2007 to make it through to the semi-finals of a Grand Slam after he beat Roberto Bautista Agut 7-5 4-6 6-4 7-6 (7-2) in the last eight of the Australian Open on Tuesday.
At 20 years and 168 days, Tsitsipas is the youngest male to reach the last four of one of the big four events since Novak Djokovic at the 2007 US Open.
The Greek star needed three hours and 15 minutes to see off 22nd seed Bautista Agut and he will now face either world number two Rafael Nadal or the unseeded American Frances Tiafoe for a place in the final.
Tsitsipas, who became the first Greek player to reach the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam after seeing off defending champion Roger Federer in the fourth round, is also the youngest player to make it through to the semi-finals in Melbourne since Andy Roddick 16 years ago.
The world number 15 was understandably delighted by his progress, but he believes he is worthy of his place in the last four given the hard work he has put in to reach the highest level.
“It all feels like a fairytale almost. I’m just living the dream, living what I’ve been working for,” Tsitsipas told reporters after his quarter-final success.
“I feel a bit emotional but not too much because I know I really worked hard to get here.”
Tsitsipas, who will now have genuine aspirations of winning a first Grand Slam title, is priced at 8.00 to claim overall glory in Melbourne.
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