MATCH REPORT | 2023 ATP Finals: Daniil MEDVEDEV Shines with an Impressive Debut, Crushing Andrey RUBLEV

Daniil Medvedev outplayed Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-2 in the debut match of the 2023 ATP Finals, securing the top spot in the group.

The closing match of the second day featured the debut of the two Russians, Daniil Medvedev (3rd), and Andrey Rublev (5th). In their head-to-head (h2h), Medvedev led 6-2, winning both encounters they had in 2023. However, in their only ATP Finals meeting in 2022, Rublev emerged victorious during the round-robin phase. In his last appearance, Medvedev was eliminated in the group stage with three defeats, while Rublev reached the semifinals, losing to Casper Ruud.

Medvedev entered the tournament with a record for the most victories in a single year with 64, including five titles, notably the Miami and Rome Masters 1000. His opponent, Rublev, claimed two titles in 2023, with the highlight being his first Masters 1000 triumph in Monte Carlo.

In the first set, Rublev displayed some uncertainty with his serve and struggled to defend his service games, although he managed to overcome four break opportunities against him in only the first two service games of the match.

On Medvedev's side, he showed high consistency with his serve and seized the chance Rublev gave him in the seventh game. Then, with his serve, he confirmed the advantage to go up 5-3, saving three break points against him. When he had the opportunity to win the set with his serve, Medvedev fended off four more break points and capitalized on his fourth set point to secure the 6-4 lead.

Rublev had a tough start to the second set, offering four break chances to his opponent right at the beginning. Medvedev took one break and once again was flawless in his service games to capitalize on his advantage and stay ahead. With the score at 3-1, the former world No. 1 secured the second break of the set, distancing himself further from his opponent.

In the latter part of the match, Rublev seemed physically and mentally overwhelmed, making it easier for his opponent, who didn't hesitate to close out the set 6-2. This victory marked Medvedev's first win of the Finals and helped him move past the challenging 2022, where he suffered three defeats in three matches.