News
Prediction
Fixtures
Australia Open: Daniel Medvedev scores an incredible comeback victory against Alexander Zvereva to advance Jannik Inner in the final
In an extraordinary turnaround, Daniil Medvedev staged an impressive comeback against Alexander Zverev, clinching victory in a five-set thriller to secure a spot in the Australian Open final. Medvedev initially seemed to be grappling with physical challenges in the first two sets, likely a result of enduring demanding matches earlier in the tournament. However, he orchestrated a remarkable shift in momentum, winning consecutive tie-breaks to force a fifth set. In a determined effort, Medvedev held on to secure a 5-7 3-6 7-6(4) 7-6(5) 6-3 triumph and advance to his sixth Grand Slam final.
On Sunday, the 26-year-old will face Jannik Sinner, who surprised everyone by defeating Novak Djokovic and reaching his first major final. Initially, the first set appeared to be favoring Zverev as he quickly built a 4-1 lead with a double break. Despite Zverev being unexpectedly broken back, both players fiercely contested each point in their effort to claim the opener.
The pivotal moment occurred at 5-5, where Medvedev, who had fought back into contention, experienced a moment of vulnerability, allowing his opponent to secure another break. Despite this setback, Medvedev refused to concede and managed to earn a break-back point, leading to a tie-break. However, even after saving that point, Zverev, propelled by a remarkable 51-shot rally, executed a winning shot at the net to take the first set.
With a lead in the match, Zverev worked on solidifying his advantage and managed to break Medvedev at 2-2 in the second set, establishing a 4-2 lead. Unlike the unpredictable conclusion of the previous set, Zverev remained focused and businesslike this time. He earned a set point with a forehand winner and secured the set when Medvedev mishit a forehand.
Heading into the third set, the question was whether Medvedev could mount a comeback. To enhance his chances, he took an extended bathroom break at the end of the second set, appearing refreshed outwardly. In the ensuing third set, Medvedev engaged in a compelling battle with Zverev, featuring a remarkable rally that left Nick Kyrgios in the Eurosport commentary box declaring the arrival of “Dr. Octopus!”
Each player held their serves, and when the tie-break eventually unfolded, it appeared to be a fitting resolution to a set that had been remarkably balanced.
At 3-1, it seemed like Medvedev was heading towards forcing a fourth set, but Zverev mounted a comeback as the two players remained tightly matched. However, at a critical juncture, just when it seemed least opportune, Zverev’s game began to falter. He committed errors, including putting a forehand approach into the net and sending a backhand long, granting his resilient opponent two set points. Seizing the opportunity, Medvedev pushed through the partially open door, propelling the match into a fourth set as his previously unlikely recovery gained momentum.
This had turned into a battle, with Medvedev adopting an intense grind style from the baseline, seldom making errors and denying Zverev the opportunity to capitalize on the slowing conditions. Both players maintained dominance behind their serves initially, reaching a 3-3 deadlock, setting the stage for yet another intense conclusion to a set.
The score progressed from 3-3 to 6-6, leading to another tie-break where Zverev successfully fended off danger in the eighth game by saving two break points. As had been the case in the latter part of the match, the tie-break remained closely contested, but Medvedev, aided by a remarkable fluked forehand drop shot, secured a set point and aced Zverev to extend the match to a fifth set.
Now, it was Medvedev taking control, dictating the rallies and eliciting errors from Zverev’s racket. He broke the No. 6 seed to go 3-2 ahead and then served out the match, completing a comeback for the ages and earning a place in Sunday’s final showdown.
