(VIDEO) "He's going to really want this one": Daniil Medvedev's 2023 ATP Finals chances look good according to Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios has backed Daniil Medvedev to emerge victorious against Jannik Sinner and to progress to the final of the 2023 ATP Finals in Turin.

World No. 3 Medvedev has had a successful run at the 2023 ATP Finals so far, winning two out of three of his Group Stage ties. He downed Andrey Rublev in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, before defeating Alexander Zverev 7-6 (7), 6-4. Therefore, although he lost his third clash against Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 4-6, Medvedev had already done enough to book his place in the semi-final.

The Russian player, who won the ATP Finals in 2020, is now set to face World No. 4 Sinner in the semi-finals, marking their third clash in the last two months. Prior to their meeting in the final of the China Open, Medvedev led their head-to-head 6-0, but the Italian player got the better of him in Beijing before doing the same in the final of the Vienna Open at the end of October.

However, 2022 Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios is still backing Medvedev to make the final in Turin. The Australian player has been absent for the majority of the 2023 season due to injury but is working as a commentator for Tennis Channel at the ATP Finals. He pointed out Sinner's improvement but also highlighted some key areas where Medvedev may have the advantage.

"I think a key for Sinner is how well he’s going to come forward. If he’s going to incorporate some serving volley, I don’t think he’s as comfortable coming forward as, say, Alcaraz is. And that showed today how successful it can be against Medvedev.

"I’m going to go with Medvedev. I think he’s going to really want to get this one. This is going to be a big one against Italy, against Turin, against Sinner. I’m going to go Dr. Octopus," he said, (Dr. Octopus is a nickname given to the third seed due to his long arms and legs, excellent court coverage, and ability to hit well-angled shots).

Medvedev and Sinner will face each other today, November 18, with the winner of their clash set to take on either Novak Djokovic or Carlos Alcaraz, who will battle it out for a place in the final later in the day at the Pala Alpitour in Turin.