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Medvedev stages a comeback against Zverev to secure a spot in the Melbourne showdown against Sinner
Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev, aged 27, staged a remarkable comeback against Alexander Zverev, aged 26, in the Australian Open semi-final on Friday, triumphing 5-7, 3-6, 7-6(4), 7-6(5), 6-3. This win propels Medvedev towards his second Grand Slam title after facing defeat in consecutive finals at Melbourne Park in 2021 and 2022 against Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal. Now, he looks ahead to a showdown with Italian youngster Jannik Sinner on Sunday.
Medvedev, the third seed, acknowledged the impressive performance of his opponent and expressed the need for a complete recovery before the final. Reflecting on his previous disappointments at Melbourne Park, he remains optimistic about breaking the pattern, stating, “Third time lucky.” Winning the title would hold significant meaning for him, given his struggles on this court in the past.
Despite an initial setback with double faults, Medvedev strategically positioned himself to counter Zverev’s serves and fought back from a two-break deficit to level the match at 5-5. Looking ahead to Sunday’s final, Medvedev emphasizes the importance of playing well and winning three sets for a chance at becoming the happiest man on the planet.
Zverev took the lead again, celebrating with raised arms and enthusiastic applause from the crowd as he secured the first set. The highlight was a brilliant backhand volley, following a 51-shot rally where he seized the opportunity after winning the preceding point.
Reflecting on the match, Medvedev admitted that both players had a subpar performance in the first set. In the second set, he improved, but Zverev played exceptionally well, leaving Medvedev feeling a bit disoriented. However, in the third set, Medvedev shifted his mindset, focusing on fighting for every point and being proud of his effort. This change in approach proved successful as he clinched the set, expressing pride in his performance and determination to fight until the end.
Exhausted physically, Medvedev altered his strategy by coming to the net more frequently and securing a crucial break for a 3-2 lead in the second set. Despite appearing fatigued, he demonstrated resilience and managed to claim the third set in a tiebreak, acknowledging the need for a more aggressive approach as extended rallies became challenging.
Medvedev admitted to feeling tired in the third set, prompting him to shift towards a more aggressive game style. He acknowledged the risk but emphasized the importance of trying. This adjustment proved effective as he began making better shots, improved his serving, and navigated through intense tiebreaks. Despite a stroke of luck at 5-5, Medvedev expressed that such moments are part of the unpredictability in tennis.
In the tense fourth set, Medvedev maintained his determined push, overcoming a double fault in the tiebreak to level the contest. He then secured a crucial break in the fifth game of the deciding set, setting the stage for his remarkable comeback.
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This marked Medvedev’s second instance of overcoming a two-set deficit in the tournament, a challenge he hadn’t faced before. Despite the difficulty, he expressed satisfaction with the tough battles, highlighting an improvement in his five-set statistics compared to the past when he felt less strong physically and mentally.
Medvedev, often known for his strained interactions with Melbourne Park fans, is gradually winning favor among the crowd. Reflecting on his mental approach, he acknowledged a recent desire for change, aiming to be mentally stronger and less affected by external factors like crowd noise or perceived referee decisions. While he admits it’s a work in progress, he emphasized his commitment to staying focused on the game.
