World No.4 Daniil Medvedev has continued his unbeaten streak since the US Open after disposing of Germany’s Alexander Zverev in straight sets to win the Shanghai Masters.
The 23-year-old, who hasn’t lost a set in his past nine matches, brushed aside his hot and cold opponent 6-4, 6-1, to add to his rapidly rising trophy tally. Medvedev has now won three out of the last four ATP tournaments he has played in. Including two at Masters level. In his latest conquest, he hit 19 winners to 14 unforced errors and saved four out of the five break points he faced.
“This win is also amazing because I think Shanghai is one of the most prestigious Masters events on the tour.” Medvedev told TennisTV. “Especially over the last 10 years with only three players managing to win this.”
“It’s really special to have my photo out in the corridor for many years.” He added.
The clash in Shanghai was somewhat of an historic occasion. For the first time since 2009 two finalists of a Masters 1000 event are under the age of 24. Medvedev was contesting his sixth consecutive final in what has been a sensational second half of the year for him. Meanwhile, Zverev was bidding to win his biggest title since his triumph at the ATP Finals almost 12 months ago.
Billed as a meeting between two players who could take over the reign when the Big Three retire from the sport, it was Russia’s Medvedev who got off to a better start. Breaking the Zverev serve immediately with the help of a backhand drop shot as he eased to a 3-0 lead. However, Zverev managed to regain his focus with an elevation in his game to fight back and draw level at 3-3. Paving way for what was a tightly contested opener. Only a couple shots separated the two and they were a duo of costly errors from Zverev at the worst possible time. Serving at 4-5 30-30, back-to-back double faults from the fifth seed cost him the opening set. Moving Medvedev closer to his second Masters title.
The US Open finalist continued to weather the storm with the help of more errors from across the court. Two games into the second set, a seemingly straightforward Zverev service game collapsed as he lost five straight points after leading 40-0. Rewarding Medvedev another break in the match. Firmly in control of the final, he breezed towards the finish line with little difficulty as his rival grew more frustrated. Serving for the title, Medvedev clinched victory on his first match point with an ace down the line. Although he was rather blasé when it came to his celebration.
“I said that during the US Open, it was going to be my thing because everybody was talking about that they need new guys and something new. So I gave them something new. I don’t celebrate my wins. I just stay calm, do my job and done.” Explained Medvedev.
The world No.4 has now won 59 matches on the ATP Tour this season. Which is 11 more than his nearest opponent (Novak Djokovic has 48 wins). Eight out of his nine wins over top 10 players have taken place over the last six months. He has now overtaken Roger Federer into third place in the ATP Race to London.
“I said yesterday after my victory you’re probably the best player in the world right now. How you’re playing is unbelievable and I wish you nothing but the best.” Zverev said to Medvedev during the trophy ceremony.
Sunday’s win is Medvedev’s first over Zverev after losing to him on four previous occasions. He exits Shanghai with 1000 ranking points and $1,374,995 in prize money.
