Former US Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev has booked his place in the semi-finals of the ATP Finals with a match in hand after toppling world No.1 Novak Djokovic.
The fourth seed produced an emphatic performance which at one stage saw him win six consecutive games during his 6-3, 6-3, victory at The O2. Neither player was playing poorly but the problem for Djokovic was Medvedev’s ability to apply pressure throughout the match. Triggering 24 errors from the five-time champion who is renowned for his mental game. In contrast, a power-hitting Medvedev fired 19 winners and saved the only break point he faced.
“I was serving good and playing safe enough during the most important moments. That’s why I got the win,” said Medvedev.
“To be honest, I don’t think he (Djokovic) played his best today. I always say the Big Three are the champions because this happens less to them compared to other players.’
“It is still tough to beat them on their bad days. I’m really happy with my win and I’m feeling confident right now.”
From the start both players engaged in some pulsating rallies during what was a high-quality opening set. Medvedev’s emphatic baseline play was matched by Djokovic and his ability to produce some impressive volleying at the net. The encounter was one of fine margins but it was world No.4 Medvedev who had the slight edge. After seeing four break points come and go the Russian secured a breakthrough at 3-3. Battling through during a marathon 11-minute game he managed to break Djokovic after the world No.1 failed to return a ball. The development rattled the Serbian who started to produce errors on a more frequent basis. Highlighted by a failed drop shot followed by a Djokovic double fault which sealed the opening set for Medvedev two games after the opening set.
The relentless play from Medvedev continued to reek in the benefits for him as he wore down and frustrated the 17-time Grand Slam champion. During the early stages of the second frame a forehand error from Djokovic enabled him to break for a set and 2-0 lead. That sole break proved decisive to the match outcome as he raced towards the finish line without facing any major scares behind his serve. After just 82 minutes of play, he closed the match out on his first opportunity with a forehand winner at the net.
“I always like playing Novak,” said Medvedev. “He is one of the greatest champions in the history of our sport. When I was eight I was already watching him on TV winning Grand Slams and he was still young. It was a dream come true to play against him.’
“He was the first (member) of the Big Three that I played. There are always amazing memories against him.”
Medvedev is playing at the season-ending championships for the second time in his career after losing all three of his round-robin matches in 2019. Against Djokovic, he has now won three out of their four most recent meetings dating back to the Monte Carlo Masters last year.
Medvedev will play Diego Schwartzman in his final group match on Friday. Meanwhile, Djokovic will face Alexander Zverev with the winner of that match booking their place in the last four.
