WATCH: Stefanos Tsitsipas on receiving end of bizarre obstruction from overhead lights during Vienna 1R clash vs Dominic Thiem

Stefanos Tsitsipas recently survived a tricky first-round encounter against Austrian favorite Dominic Thiem at the 2023 Vienna Open. The World No. 7 won the match in straight sets, 7-6(5), 6-4, but not without some drama and controversy.

During the match, a bizarre incident involving an overhead court light disrupted the rhythm of the match and left Tsitsipas frustrated and angry. However, the 25-year-old managed to regroup and seal the victory in the final game.

Tsitsipas and Thiem are two of the best players in the world, ranked No. 7 and No. 99 respectively. They have faced each other ten times before, with their head-to-head tied at 5-5. Their most memorable encounter was the final of the 2019 ATP Finals, where Tsitsipas prevailed in a three-set thriller, 6-7 (6), 6-2, 7-6 (4) to claim his biggest title to date.

The match in Vienna was expected to be a close contest, as Thiem was playing in front of his home crowd, while Tsitsipas was coming off a doubles victory (w/ Petros Tsitsipas) and a semifinal run in the singles in the 2023 European Open in Antwerp.

The rally began with a strong serve from Tsitsipas, to which Thiem responded just in time with a backhand slice. Following that, the Greek delivered a deep forehand into Thiem's corner, making him sprint to counter the shot. The Austrian then hit a lob shot which collided with a light overhead, losing much of its momentum and spin.

Tsitsipas, however, managed to return the ball to Thiem's side. The Austrian then returned the shot, but Tsitsipas hit the ball at the net this time. After hitting the ball at the net, Tsitsipas looked stunned and disappointed, blaming the court lights for the obstruction.

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Stefanos Tsitsipas to face Tomas Machac in 2023 Vienna Open 2R

Stefanos Tsitsipas at the 2023 China Open

Stefanos Tsitsipas will take on Tomas Machac in the second round of the 2023 Vienna Open on Thursday, October 26.

Tsitsipas, seeded fourth, never advanced beyond the second round in the tournament. The Greek has a 45-20 win-loss record this season, with one title (Los Cabos) and two finals to his name (Australian Open and Barcelona).

Machac, ranked No. 74, is having a breakthrough year on the tour, making quarterfinal appearances in Houston and Stockholm. The 23-year-old has won two Challenger titles this season.

This will be the first meeting between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Tomas Machac, who have contrasting play styles. Tsitsipas is an aggressive baseliner who likes to dictate the rallies with his powerful forehand and one-handed backhand.

Meanwhile, Machac is a steady player who relies on consistency and movement. He can hit with depth and angles from both wings and has a decent serve.