Medvedev outplays an unsteady Rublev to earn Semifinal ticket at US Open

Daniil Medvedev defeated Andrey Rublev in three sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, to advance to the semifinals of the US Open, awaiting either Alcaraz or Zverev.

A clash between great friends unfolded at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Rublev and Medvedev faced each other for the ninth time, with a 6-2 head-to-head advantage for Medvedev, marking their second encounter at the US Open (with the former world No. 1 winning in 2020.)

Rublev played in his ninth Grand Slam quarterfinal (fourth at the US Open) but once again failed to reach the semifinals, maintaining a 0-9 record in this round.

World No. 6 Rublev started the match displaying more personality and initiative, taking a quick 3-0 lead by commanding points from the baseline. Rublev's effectiveness didn't last long as Medvedev won the next three games to even the set.

Rublev lost his serve for the second time in the ninth game, conceding the set to his compatriot at 6-4. The second set began with breaks for both players in the first two games, with both persistently seeking to be more aggressive than their opponent.

Both Medvedev and Rublev were inconsistent with their serves, with the 2021 US Open champion securing four breaks compared to two by his rival. Medvedev only managed to land 50% of his first serves and won 57% of them, along with 36% of points on his second serve. His opponent, on the other hand, had a 62% first serve success rate, winning 57% of those points but only 15% with his second serve.

Gradually, Rublev appeared physically drained, although he continued to battle from the baseline and managed to secure the first break of the set for an advantage for the third time.

Although Medvedev recovered it, immediately Rublev got another break and took a 4-2 lead, but just like throughout the match, his opponent regained the break, winning three consecutive games and taking a 5-4 lead. With his serve, he saved four match points against him, but in the end, his opponent prevailed.

In the semifinals, Medvedev awaits the winner between Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz, who will close out the Thursday night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium.