Medvedev powers into Australian Open final

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, February 20, 2021
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Russia's Daniil Medvedev competes during the men's singles semifinal between Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas and Russia's Daniil Medvedev at Australian Open in Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, Feb. 19, 2021. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)

Russia's Daniil Medvedev beat Stefanos Tsitsipas from Greece, 6-4, 6-2, 7-5, at the Australian Open on Friday, setting up a final clash with world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.

Tsitsipas was unable to recreate his stunning five-set comeback against Rafael Nadal in the semifinal, falling victim to Medvedev's untouchable serve and deadly forehand winners.

"It was not easy but I am happy I managed to turn my game on, especially in tight moments on my serve and I am really happy to be in the final," Medvedev said after the match.

At 25 years of age, Medvedev is chasing his first ever Grand Slam title, compared to Djokovic's 17, including eight at the Australian Open.

"He has for sure, more experience, but more things to lose than me. He's never lost in eight times in the final here. It's him who has all the pressure," Medvedev said.

"I just hope I'm going to get out there and show my best tennis. I can beat some big names if I play good."

The Russian has already proved he has what it takes, coming off the back of 20 consecutive wins -- 11 of which were against top ten players, including Djokovic himself.

"Medvedev is playing on an extremely high quality. He's on a winning match streak, over 20 matches won. He's just the man to beat, you know," Djokovic said after his semifinal victory against Aslan Karatsev.

Australian crowds tend to favor an underdog and will most likely get behind Medvedev in his bid to topple the reigning champion, however at Friday's match they were firmly behind Tsitsipas.

"His match with Rafa was kind of the same score. The third set Rafa was dominating but didn't manage to win the match. So I got a little bit scared and tight because it's the semifinals of a slam," Medvedev said.

The Greek broke for the first time in the third set, spurring his own hopes along with the crowd. However despite their overwhelming support, he was unable to back it up, losing a break in the 11th game allowing Medvedev to serve for the match.

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