“The conditions are similar. It’s not too humid, it’s not too tropical. I can say it’s similar to the Athenian Riviera.”
Melbourne boasts the largest Greek population in Australia, with Tsitsipas saying it always felt like home when competing in the season-opening major.
“Another reason, another plus is that wherever I look I see Greek faces, I see Greek people speaking Greek. Of course, that’s very important when you’re far away from home, that kind of Be the spirit, to connect even more with the culture that you’re on,” he said.
“When you’re able to turn around and feel it, it’s great. It’s definitely my domestic Slam, I would consider it … The French have Roland Garros, the Brits have Wimbledon, Americans have the US Open. For me it’s the Australian Open.”
Tsitsipas will face unseeded 21-year-old Czech Jiri Lehka for a place in the semi-finals.