DANIIL DOES IT! 💪 In a clash of the past two #USOpen champs, @DaniilMedwed ousts reigning title holder Carlos Alcaraz, 7-6 (3), 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. 🙌 Medvedev advances to face Novak Djokovic, the man he beat for his maiden major here two years ago. 🍿 @LIVAUDAIS reports:
Medvedev's epic battle against Alcaraz paves the way to US Open Final duel with Djokovic
ATPSaturday, 09 September 2023 at 04:43
Daniil
Medvedev defeated the defending champion, Carlos Alcaraz, 7-6(3), 6-1, 3-6,
6-3, and is now vying for his second US Open title against Novak Djokovic.
The young
Spanish player had hoped to return to the final at Flushing Meadows to defend
the title he won in 2022. With a streak of 12 consecutive victories at the US
Open, Alcaraz showcased his strength in the quarterfinals by sweeping past
Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
World No.
3, Daniil Medvedev, also arrived with high ambitions in the tournament where he
claimed his only Grand Slam title in 2021. The Russian advanced to the
quarterfinals by defeating his close friend, world No. 8 Andrey Rublev, 6-4,
6-3, 6-4.
In the
beginning, it was Alcaraz who took the initiative, especially capitalizing on
Medvedev's low first-serve percentage (only 57% compared to 'Carlitos' 83%).
Medvedev had trouble closing out his service games and saved two break points
against him in the fourth game to maintain parity.
Gradually,
the Russian improved his service precision, although he could do little against
Alcaraz's service, who did not face any break points against him during the
set.
With the
score level, they reached the tie-break, with Medvedev's solidity in returning
becoming increasingly noticeable. The Russian took a 4-3 lead and secured two
consecutive mini-breaks to close out the set 7-6(3).
The
advantage gave Medvedev a boost, and he returned in the second set, displaying
even better tennis. The 27-year-old athlete improved his service and reduced
unforced errors compared to Alcaraz, who struggled against the impeccable level
of the Russian. Medvedev only lost two points on his serve and secured two
breaks to claim the second set 6-2. Few would have expected Medvedev to
dominate the world No. 1 so convincingly, but 'Carlitos' had more to show and
played a great third set.
The Spanish
player secured the first break in the fourth game, which was enough to maintain
his service and take the set 6-3.
An
explosive start to the fourth set had Alcaraz with three break points in his
favor, but he couldn't capitalize on them. In the sixth game, 20 points were
played, and finally, Medvedev secured the break on his second chance.
Alcaraz had
three break points in his favor when Medvedev was serving at 5-3, but the
Russian ultimately saved them and capitalized on his fourth match point to seal
the victory.
On Sunday,
the final will feature the same protagonists as in 2021, with Medvedev and
Djokovic, where the trophy was claimed by the Russian with a score of 6-4, 6-4,
6-4.
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