Sixth seed Tsitsipas crashes out of Open to Raonic

Sixth seed Stefas Tsitsipas was sent crashing out of Australian Open by Milos Raonic in third round on Friday, with giant Canian's power serve doing dam. Greek star, widely tipped as a contender to challenge big guns at opening Grand Slam of year, was match for his experienced opponent, slumping 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (7/2). Expectations were high for 21-year-old, who stunned Roger Federer in 2019 en route to final four, before winning titles in Marseille and Estoril and at season-ending ATP Finals in London.

But Raonic h his measure, pumping down almost unplayable 220 kph (136 mph) serves while smashing 19 aces and 55 winners.

"Today was an incredible match for me. I'm really happy with how things went," said Raonic.

"I enjoy energy here. To be healthy and playing well, I take a lot of pleasure out of that."

His win set up a mouthwatering fourth-round clash against 2018 finalist Marin Cilic, who battled past ninth seed Roberto Bautista Agut in five gruelling sets. Raonic has form at Melbourne Park, reaching semi-final in 2016, when he lost to Andy Murray, and quarters on three or occasions, including last year to make it his most successful Grand Slam. But his career has been plagued by injuries, with surgeries over years for hip, foot and wrist problems. He has also struggled with back, ankle, calf and knee issues which have stymied his progress.

But seeded 32, his lowest ever at a Slam, he turned back clock against Tsitsipas, who h a bye in second round when his German opponent Philipp Kohlschreiber pulled out injured. Raonic is feared for his big serve and he sent down plenty of aces in first set to set tone, with Greek desperately defending and unable to create chances. It was more of same in second and third sets as Canian, looking for his first title since Brisbane 2016, turned screws.