French Open 2022: 'He drove me crazy' - Stefanos Tsitsipas given stern examination before seeing off Zdenek Kolar

Stefanos Tsitsipas was given a serious examination before seeing off Zdenek Kolar 6-3 7-6(8) (3)6-7 7-6(7) to reach the third round of the French Open. Kolar played effectively from the back of the court and also tested the Greek with a blend of slices, drop shots and lobs — but Tsitsipas’ superior power and experience ultimately won out. Ad/> Tsitsipas was full of praise for Kolar, who on this evidence has a big future in the game.

/> Roland-GarrosKolar lashes fine winner to begin match with Tsitsipas at French Open4 HOURS AGO “He drove me crazy,” Tsitsipas said. “It was so frustrating, he was just behind every ball and it was not easy. “Mr Kolar was putting every part of his body behind the ball and I would like to congratulate him on such an incredible effort.” An early break in the opening set allowed Tsitsipas to fall back on his booming serve, and he was able to move ahead on Court Suzanne-Lenglen despite the adventurous play of his opponent.

Kolar kept pressing in the second and some front-foot play earned him break points in the fourth game, and he converted when Tsitsipas sent a wild forehand over the baseline. The fiery Tsitsipas threatened to boil over, but just as he appeared to threaten a shock, Kolar played a sloppy game to allow Tsitsipas to break back. Despite producing patches of excellent play, Tsitsipas never looked totally happy and he berated himself after giving away — but ultimately saving — set points in the 12th game of the second set.

The set went to a breaker and if it was decided on drop shots, Kolar would have run out an easy winner as he kept picking off his opponent with them. Tsitsipas seemed so bewildered he tried to get in on the act himself, but missed the sideline. But the contest was