Mon Jan 13 15:38:20 UTC 2025: ## Tsitsipas’ Australian Open Exit Blamed on Karma After Doubles Withdrawal
**Melbourne, Australia** – Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Australian Open campaign ended abruptly in the first round, a defeat he attributes to karma after withdrawing from the doubles competition to focus on singles. The 11th seed and 2023 runner-up lost to American Alex Michelsen 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 on the second day of the tournament.
Tsitsipas, who opted out of playing doubles with his brother Petros to conserve energy, admitted his strategy backfired. “My whole idea was to try to go deep… the whole purpose was just to save up on some energy,” he said. “I guess karma hit me.”
The loss marks another early exit for the Greek star, who has long been considered a future Grand Slam champion but has faced setbacks in recent Grand Slams. Meanwhile, other top players fared better. World number one Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who is vying to become the youngest man to achieve a career Grand Slam, both secured convincing wins. Frances Tiafoe overcame illness to advance, while Grigor Dimitrov retired injured. Coverage of the Australian Open is available on BBC 5 Sports Extra and the BBC Sport website and app.
First Piper 