Benoit Paire vs Stefanos Tsitsipas – Third Round – Preview & Prediction | 2022 Australian Open
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THE FACTS
When is Benoit Paire vs Stefanos Tsitsipas on and what time does it start? Benoit Paire vs Stefanos Tsitsipas will take place on Saturday 22nd January, 2022 – not before 03:00 (UK)
Where is Benoit Paire vs Stefanos Tsitsipas taking place? Benoit Paire vs Stefanos Tsitsipas will take place at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia
What surface is Benoit Paire vs Stefanos Tsitsipas being played on? Benoit Paire vs Stefanos Tsitsipas will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Benoit Paire vs Stefanos Tsitsipas? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Benoit Paire vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
What channel is Benoit Paire vs Stefanos Tsitsipas on in the UK? Benoit Paire vs Stefanos Tsitsipas will be televised live on Eurosport
Where can I stream Benoit Paire vs Stefanos Tsitsipas in the UK? Eurosport subscribers can stream Benoit Paire vs Stefanos Tsitsipas live on their website, while Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
BENOIT PAIRE
World number 56 Benoit Paire is a joy to watch when he plays like he did on Thursday with a stunning four-set victory over Grigor Dimitrov. The 32-year-old has already played nine sets in Melbourne after a five-set slog against Thiago Monteiro in the first round but he has matches his best Australian Open showing here out of the blue with little recent form. Paire has reached the round of 16 at a Grand Slam on four previous occasions across Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open.
STEFANOS TSITSIPAS
World number four Stefanos Tsitsipas was very much tested by young Sebastian Baez on Thursday, with the Greek converting just four of 18 break point opportunities in a four-set scrap. The 23-year-old reached the final of Roland-Garros last season and took the first two sets against Novak Djokovic before a capitulation that has certainly seemed to affect his confidence on court. Tsitsipas won a first Masters title last season and he claimed the ATP Finals back in 2019, with a major very much the next thing on his to-do list.
THE PREDICTION
This could be a proper classic full of aggro and racket-smashing if Benoit Paire brings the game he beat Grigor Dimitrov with. The Frenchman has been woeful at times on tour over the last few seasons, by his previously lofty standards, but the motivation is back for now at least. Tsitsipas is of course the favourite to come through but, as in his previous match, there is still a flagging doubt around his killer instinct over the longer five-set format that Paire is well capable of exposing. Take the Greek to win outright, with straight sets a possible trap, and you can add a tiebreak in for good measure. Tsitsipas leads Paire 3-1 in their head-to-head record but in all honesty the 32-year-old was nowhere near his best self for the two defeats last season.
