Daniil
Medvedev showcased a stellar performance, defeating
Alexander Zverev 7-6, 6-4,
securing his spot in the semifinals of the 2023
ATP Finals.
The Russian
started his Turin campaign with a decisive 6-2, 6-4 victory over Andrey Rublev,
maintaining his dominance with another straight-set win. While Medvedev's
advancement to the semifinals is confirmed, whether he progresses as the group
leader or second seed is yet to be determined.
Facing an
in-form Alexander Zverev, who previously triumphed over Carlos Alcaraz 6-7,
6-3, 6-4, both players had the opportunity to secure a semifinal berth with a
straight-set victory.
The first
set began with Medvedev securing an early break in the opening game, taking a
2-0 lead swiftly through his service game. Zverev rebounded, breaking back to
level the set 3-3. Both players held their serves, reaching a tie-break without
new break opportunities.
In a tense
tie-breaker at 5-5, Zverev gained a mini-break and a set point on his serve,
but Medvedev equalized. Despite Zverev having another break point, he couldn't
capitalize, and Medvedev clinched three consecutive points, winning the set
7-6(7).
In the
second set, both players remained focused on their serves, and pivotal moments
determined the outcome. At 4-4, Zverev had the first break point of the match,
but Medvedev saved it and went ahead 5-4. With Zverev serving to extend the
set, errors in his service and a notable forehand mistake granted Medvedev the
first match point, which he confidently converted, securing his second victory.
Medvedev's
place in the semifinals is secured, becoming the first player in the Finals to
advance. The identity of his next opponent will be decided on the third day of
the group stage. Rublev has suffered two defeats and is eliminated, leaving
Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz with chances. Zverev must aim for victory against
Rublev, while Alcaraz needs to win against Medvedev. If both win or lose, the
sets and games won will be considered, depending on the results on Friday,
November 17.