Aussie Star Secures Career-Best Win at Adelaide International

ADELAIDE : Australian world No. 87 Aleksander Vukic has sent shockwaves through the Adelaide International, defeating former world No. 3 and current world No. 33 Stefanos Tsitsipas in a thrilling straight-sets encounter on Tuesday night.

In a display of nerves of steel, the 29-year-old Aussie triumphed 7-6(3), 7-6(5) on Centre Court, marking one of the most significant victories of his career just weeks before the Australian Open.

The match was defined by Vukic’s clinical performance under pressure. Despite the gap of over 50 places in the ATP rankings, the Australian never wavered. Former pro John Millman, commentating for Nine, praised Vukic’s mental fortitude: “He looks really composed, don’t see any sign of nerves—he hasn’t been daunted by this court or this player whatsoever.”

While Vukic was rock-solid, Tsitsipas struggled with his shot selection in critical moments. In the second-set tie-break, the Greek star held a 3-1 lead with a mini-break but faltered with “cheap” errors, including a poorly timed drop shot that Millman described as “ill-fated” and “poorly executed.”

Post-match, Vukic admitted the win was a massive confidence booster following a string of close losses against top-tier players like Taylor Fritz and Casper Ruud.

“I felt like in the last few months of last year, I started to play better… but not beating the top-echelon players,” Vukic said. “I wanted to give it another crack today and I was happy that I kept my composure.”

The victory sets a high bar for the Australian summer of tennis, with Vukic now looming as a dangerous unseeded threat for the upcoming Grand Slam in Melbourne.