MATCH REPORT | 2024 Australian Open: Daniil MEDVEDEV seals four hour epic win over Hubert HURKACZ to reach semi-finals

Daniil Medvedev overcame the challenge of Hubert Hurkacz and advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 Australian Open with a 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory. The Russian reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam for the eighth time in his career, the third time in Melbourne, and awaits the winner of the match between Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz.

The former world No. 1 entered the tournament after defeating the surprising Nuno Borges, who was experiencing his first venture into the later rounds of a Grand Slam. Hubert Hurkacz also asserted his favoritism by facing the 19-year-old Arthur Cazaux, participating in his first main draw of the Aussie Open.

The 2021 US Open champion secured a break in the first game of the match and quickly took a 2-0 lead with his service. From the beginning, the match unfolded in short points, with both players approaching the net, especially the Polish player, who secured a break in the sixth game, leveling the score at 3-3. Five of the next five games were decided without a break, leading to a tie-break, where a single error from Hurkacz on his serve was enough for Medvedev to take the set 7-6(4).

In the second set, Hurkacz experienced his best moments, taking an early break and putting pressure on Medvedev's service, capitalizing on the Russian's difficulties with the first serve (only 50%). World No. 9 maintained the advantage with his service and, with more composure, took another break in the seventh game, crucial for equalizing the match with a 6-2 second set.

After a 9-minute toilet break, Medvedev returned to the court, and the third set started evenly with his opponent. The Russian took a 3-0 lead by capitalizing on the only break point he had in his favor, in addition to saving five opportunities for the Polish player in the early games. With the advantage, Medvedev left no room for doubt with his service, and after wasting three set points with 'Hubi's' serve, world No. 3 closed the set 6-3 from his service. In this set, more exchanges from the baseline were seen, where Medvedev took the advantage in crucial points, although opportunities presented themselves on both sides.

Hurkacz entered the fourth set frustrated, committing some unforced errors that cost him the break in the first game. With a 2-0 lead, world No. 3 played with the advantage, without taking too many risks and relying on his impeccable service to be 4-2 up. However, Hurkacz mounted a comeback, winning five of the next six games and taking the set 7-5.

In the fifth set, Medvedev held onto his service and tried to return closer to the baseline, but it didn't have much effect against a confident Hurkacz. The Russian stood several meters behind the court and secured the break in the seventh game. Despite Hurkacz's resistance, who had a break opportunity, Medvedev closed the match with his service at 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. Hurkacz exits the tournament but secures crucial points that will take him to world No. 8, the best ranking of his career. On the Medvedev side, he awaits the winner between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev.