In a stunning upset that has the tennis world buzzing, Aleksandar Vukic has knocked Stefanos Tsitsipas out of the Adelaide International, securing his spot in the last 16 alongside fellow Aussie Rinky Hijikata. But here's where it gets even more intriguing: Vukic, a 29-year-old late bloomer, held his nerve in a nail-biting match with no service breaks, clinching a 7-6(7/3), 7-6(7/5) victory over the Greek superstar. This win isn't just a career highlight for Vukic—it's a testament to his resilience and the energy he drew from a packed home crowd at Memorial Drive. And this is the part most people miss: Vukic credits his breakout year in 2025, when he debuted for Australia's Davis Cup team at 29, as the catalyst for his current peak performance. He boldly declares, 'I'm about to hit 30, but I feel like I'm at my peak. It's only going to get better.'
Controversially, while Vukic is soaring, Tsitsipas is struggling. The former world number three, who once dominated the top rankings and reached the 2023 Australian Open final, has now slipped to 33rd. It raises the question: Is this a temporary slump, or is Tsitsipas' era of dominance truly fading? Meanwhile, Vukic's next challenge is against qualifier Andrea Vavassori, with a quarterfinal berth on the line.
Earlier in the day, Rinky Hijikata dominated an all-Australian showdown, dispatching wildcard Tristan Schoolkate 6-4, 6-4 in just 79 minutes. Despite the win, Hijikata admitted it's never easy facing a compatriot, especially one ranked higher. Schoolkate, currently 97th in the world, has had a stellar year, and Hijikata acknowledges he has some catching up to do. Hijikata now faces top seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in what promises to be a thrilling match.
But here's the real wildcard: Hometown hero Thanasi Kokkinakis is in doubt for his second-round clash against Monaco's Valentin Vacherot after suffering yet another injury in his gritty three-set win over Sebastian Korda. The 29-year-old battled through a painful shoulder issue, leaving fans wondering if his body can keep up with his tenacity. Will Kokkinakis recover in time, or will injury derail his tournament?
This Adelaide International is shaping up to be a rollercoaster of emotions, upsets, and unanswered questions. What do you think? Is Vukic's rise a fluke, or is he here to stay? And is Tsitsipas' decline irreversible? Let us know in the comments—this is one tennis conversation you won't want to miss!
