Stefanos Tsitsipas advances to final round of Japan Open qualifiers

Stefanos Tsitsipas, currently ranked 44th, has begun his campaign at the ATP 500 Japan Open in Tokyo through the qualifying rounds. After failing to secure direct entry into the main draw—following the decision to grant the vacant spot left by Ben Shelton to Alex Michelsen—the Greek player was forced to participate in the qualifiers.

On September 28, Tsitsipas successfully defeated the Japanese wild-card entry Yoshihito Nishioka (ranked 210th) with a score of 7-5, 6-2. This victory moves him one step closer to the main tournament. To secure a place in the main draw, Tsitsipas must win his next match against the Australian Rinky Hijikata (ranked 82nd), who progressed by defeating Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-2, 6-3.

The final qualifying match is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, with the main draw competition set to commence on Wednesday. Tsitsipas needs two consecutive qualifying victories to complete his entry into the primary event.