Excited Stefanos Tsitsipas ready to clash Roger Federer at Rod Laver Arena

Rising Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas has taken the notes from the recent clash against Swiss Roger Federer as he is excited about having to play the record 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer in the Australian Open round-of-16.

Tsitsipas ranked at No. 14 in the world, defeated Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-3 3-6 7-6 (7) 6-4 to advance at Melbourne Park. On the other side, defending Australian Open champion Federer saw off rising American star Taylor Fritz in straight sets.

Tsitsipas, 20, and 37-year-old met for the first time ever in the opening week of the 2019 season at the Hopman Cup. Back then, Federers class and experience proved to be too much for Tsitsipas as the Swiss won a tight contest 7-6 (5) 7-6 (4).

I learned a lot since my last match with him. I know the patterns that hes using a bit better now. Hes serving really well, so Im going to have to utilise his, and take advantage of my returns as much as possible.

Im pretty sure hes going to be serving well, so, yeah, return games need to be aggressive and pressing a lot, Tsitsipas said ahead of his match against Federer. Yeah, hes a legend of our sport.

It will be a great day facing him in one of the best arenas, Rod Laver. Im really excited for that match. Growing up, Tsitsipas used to watch Federer competing against the top players for of the game. The El Clasico against Nadal, Djokovic.

Yeah. I saw a lot of matches, Tsitsipas said when asked if there were any particular memories of watching Federer while growing up. If I thought about it now its insane Im in this position where I can actually play him.

Its really emotional. Also read: Dominic Thiem reveals what went wrong for him against Alexei Popyrin