Stefanos Tsitsipas advances to the Almaty Open quarterfinals

Stefanos Tsitsipas has successfully advanced to the quarterfinals of the Almaty Open in Kazakhstan. After a challenging first-round victory against American Aleksandar Kovacevic, which required three sets (7-6, 3-6, 6-3), the Greek tennis player dominated his second-round match on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. He defeated 38-year-old Kazakh player Mikhail Kukushkin in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2, in just 62 minutes.

The match against Kukushkin marked the final professional appearance for the Kazakh veteran, who had previously eliminated another Greek player, Stefanos Sakellaridis, in the opening round. Tsitsipas demonstrated superior form, securing four breaks of serve to control the pace of the game. This performance helped Tsitsipas rise four spots in the world rankings to reach No. 35.

Following this victory, Tsitsipas is set to face Australian James Duckworth in the quarterfinals. Duckworth, ranked No. 73, earned his place in the next round by upsetting Italian Luciano Darderi, who is ranked No. 23. The upcoming match will determine which player moves closer to the tournament title.