Daniil Medvedev sets up Australian Open final with Novak Djokovic after dispatching Stefanos Tsitsipas
Russian star Daniil Medvedev has booked his ticket to the Australian Open final with a straight-sets victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas (6-4 6-2 7-5).
The win sets up a blockbuster against World No.1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic as Medvedev goes searching for his grand slam title.
It was a tough night at the office for Tsitsipas who was run-ragged around the court off the back of his five-set epic against Rafael Nadal on Wednesday night.
The effects of that grueling encounter reared their head on Friday night as not even a roaring Greek crowd at Melbourne Park could will the youngster on.
Medvedev was his domineering best from the baseline, hitting flat and keeping Tsitsipas deep in the court. It’s just another impressive display from the Russian who takes his impressive win-streak to 20 on the trot.
“Definitely not easy tonight, I got a bit scared and tight because its the semifinal of a slam,” Medvedev said of a late third-set Tsitsipas fight back.
“It was not easy. but I was happy I managed to turn my game on and I’m really happy to be in a final. I was happy to keep my nerve.
“I think he was tired in from the match with Rafa. During today’s match I could see as soon I was moving him around the court in the first set (I could see he was tired), and that became my strategy.”
With a bag of winners headlining Medvedev’s semifinal display, it was one particular backhand passing shot down the line (to break Tsitsipas and serve for the match) which left Melbourne Park stunned.
