Australian Open: why Tsitsipas has so many Greek fans in Melbourne

Declarations of love on social networks, inspired winks in post-match interviews, distribution of pre-signed autographs… Stefanos Tsitsipas knows how to maintain his sympathy capital.

But neither the boy's good nature nor his excellent run in Melbourne (four semi-finals) alone can explain the massive wave of support he receives with each outing to the Rod Laver Arena.

The public seems to have made the Greek their new hero since the elimination of the Australian players, and it is far from a coincidence.

Melbourne's Greek population is the largest Greek community outside of Greece.

It is even the third largest, Greece included, after Athens and Thessaloniki!

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His “House Grand Slam”

A census dated 2016 counts 173,598 Greeks, which represents almost 4% of the total population of Greater Melbourne.

With other cities like Sydney, Toronto, New York, Boston and Chicago, the host city of the Australian Open is therefore one of the major centers of gathering of the Greek diaspora.

Greek immigration has also reached Australia as a whole, since the island-continent would have, according to sources, between 400,000 and 700,000 Greek-Australians.

The first movements date from the 19th century, but most of them arrived in the 1950s and 1960s, seeking work after the Second World War.

The contingent was completed after the crisis that hit Greece from 2008.

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Are not the best Australian players of the moment named Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis?

Two Greek-sounding names, and for good reason.

Both were born to at least one Greek parent.

We also remember Mark Philippoussis, born in Melbourne to a Greek father, who reached two Grand Slam finals during his career.

He is now in the technical staff… of Stefanos Tsitsipas.

In Melbourne, the latter evolves like a fish in water.

"

," he told

Australian Financial Review.

“If his task against Novak Djokovic in the final on Sunday promises to be difficult, he can at least count on the unwavering support of the public.