"Stefanos Tsitsipas was the future, and now it seems he’s already the past" - Fans shocked as Greek crashes out of Australian Open 2025 opener

Stefanos Tsitsipas’ early exit from the 2025 Australian Open has left fans disheartened, with many reflecting on his rapid decline in recent times. The Greek star lost to Alex Michelsen 7-5, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 on Monday, January 13, in the event's first round.

Just two years ago, Tsitsipas reached the final at Melbourne Park, coming agonizingly close to claiming his maiden Grand Slam title. However, his performances in recent Grand Slam events have been a shadow of his former self.

He has failed to progress beyond the second round in his last three Slam appearances, with this being his second consecutive first-round exit. This downward trajectory has sparked concern among fans for a player once regarded as one of the most promising of his generation, especially after his thrilling win over Roger Federer in Melbourne in 2019.

AO R1: A. Michelson def. [11] S. Tsitsipas 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 byu/RoyLiechtenstein intennis

The result of Tsitsipas' match was posted on Reddit and fans shared a mix of frustration and nostalgia.

"AO used to be one of Tsitsipas's best tournaments and now he crashes out R1. Hard to believe this is the same guy who made the final just 2 years ago," one fan wrote.

"Tsitsipas is so cooked," another fan wrote.

"It’s now six years since McEnroe’s “Changing of the guard” comment after the Federer vs Tsitsipas match. Stefanos was the future, and now it seems he’s already the past," a third fan wrote.

Comment byu/RoyLiechtenstein from discussion intennis

There was also humor tinged with disappointment, with one fan remarking on Tsitsipas’ famous invitation for actress Margot Robbie to dinner, saying:

"What a long way we have come since inviting Margot Robbie out to dinner"

Fans on X also echoed similar views.

"I feel like it’s hard to explain to more recent tennis fans how much Tsitsipas scared me five years ago. The hype was through the roof especially after the Federer win," one fan wrote.

"stefanos tsitsipas has severly regressed," yet another fan wrote.

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"It’s all about the mindset" - Stefanos Tsitsipas conqueror Alex Michelsen reflects on his Australian Open 1R win

In Picture: Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Australian Open 2025 - Source: Getty

World No. 42 Alex Michelsen was the underdog going into his Australian Open first-round match against World No. 12 Stefanos Tsitsipas. However, the 20-year-old American rose to the occasion to register his first Top 20 win at a major.

During his post-match interview, Michelsen said:

"I tried to stay super composed; I knew it would be a battle and I’m super happy to get through... I came in with the proper mindset and executed the game plan."

In the second round of the 2025 Australian Open, Michelsen will face the winner of Spanish qualifier Martin Landaluce and Australian wild card James McCabe.