"I want them to go 7 hours 30, tiebreak 30-28 in the fifth": Daniil Medvedev shares hope for Djokovic-Sinner clash as potential final opponent

Daniil Medvedev previewed the semifinal match between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner and commented that it's difficult to choose a potential opponent in case of reaching the final of the 2024 Australian Open. The Russian defeated Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, reaching the semifinals of a Grand Slam for the 8th time.

Medvedev has already reached the semifinals in his last two Slams: he fell to the eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz, while at the US Open, he played in the final but was defeated by Novak Djokovic, who lifted his 24th Grand Slam trophy. Precisely, Djokovic will feature in one of the semifinals of the Aussie Open.

Djokovic's opponent will be the 22-year-old Jannik Sinner, who, along with Djokovic, has been one of the best players in recent months. The Italian arrives with confidence and will be a real threat to the world No. 1. Medvedev was asked about a potential final and which player he would prefer to face in a decisive stage:

"Jannik is playing so good now, so if I'm 100% honest with you, if you ask me who -- let's say I'm in the final -- who do I want to play, Novak, who never lost here, whatever, is going for some crazy stats, or Jannik who is not losing a set even when he's 5-1 down in the tiebreak and stuff like this, I'm like, I don't know," the former world No. 1 said.

"I really don't know. I want them to go 7 hours 30, tiebreak 30-28 in the fifth, and then maybe let's see if they are a little bit tired on Sunday," he added.

However, Medvedev has not secured his place in the final yet, as he must first overcome the world No. 6 Alexander Zverev, who is in great form after eliminating the No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz 6-1, 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-4. On the other hand, the Russian battled with Hubert Hurkacz and secured the victory in 5 sets: 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.

The head-to-head is led by Medvedev 11-7, and this will be their first encounter in a Grand Slam. If the Russian takes the win, he would play in his sixth Slam final and the third at the AO, although so far, he has only claimed the trophy at the 2021 US Open.