- Alcaraz won the 2022 US Open as his first Grand Slam and fiercely defended it until he met Medvedev
- Tennis fans across the world were upbeat that the 20-year-old Spaniard would have another run with Novak Djokovic
- Medvedev won the 2021 US Open and is hopeful of winning it this year
Daniil Medvedev says defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open 2023 semi-finals was a result of planning a flawless game mentally and physically.
Alcaraz won the 2022 US Open as his first Grand Slam and followed it up with a second major win at this year’s Wimbledon.
Tennis fans across the world were upbeat that the 20-year-old Spaniard would have another run with Novak Djokovic in the slam finals.
But Medvedev cut short his dream with amazing 7-6 (7-3), 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Alcaraz. The Russian now believes he achieved his plans in his semi-final showdown with Alcaraz.
Daniil Medvedev vs Carlos Alcaraz. Photo/Daily Express
Alcaraz had emerged victorious in their previous two encounters, comprehensively defeating Medvedev in straight sets during the Wimbledon semi-final in July and also securing a two-set victory at the Indian Wells Open final in March.
This meant that Medvedev had to elevate his game several notches to have any chance of defeating Alcaraz in New York.
The third seed not only met but exceeded those expectations, clinching a remarkable 7-6 (7-3), 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 triumph to advance to his third final at Flushing Meadows.
The opening set remained fiercely contested, with no service breaks until Medvedev secured a narrow victory in the tie-break, courtesy of two late mini-breaks.
In the second set, Medvedev transformed into an impenetrable force, breaking Alcaraz’s serve in the second and sixth games. The third set saw Alcaraz finally making his mark with a single break in the fourth game.
As the fourth set unfolded, a crucial break in the sixth game allowed Alcaraz to take the lead. Despite Alcaraz’s remarkable defense that saved three match points, the former world No. 1 ultimately managed to seal the victory on his fourth attempt.
Medvedev said that at Alcaraz’s age and with two Grand Slams to his name indicates he is a formidable opponent.
Therefore, beating him needs an outstanding player and it was one of his hardest matches yet.
“I don’t know if he’s still 20 or 21, but [he is] so young, already two Grand Slams, world No 1 for many weeks. It’s honestly just pretty unbelievable and I think nobody has done it before him. To beat him, you need to be better than yourself and I managed to do it,” he told reporters after the match.
Daniil Medvedev. Photo/Fox Sports
As a result, he earns himself a second shot at the US Open final, where he’ll face Djokovic, a 23-time Grand Slam champion. Medvedev holds cherished memories of their previous encounter at Flushing Meadows, where he emerged victorious in the 2021 final.
Speaking of his much-anticipated finals match with Djokovic, Medvedev said that playing against the Serbian is not an easy-do but he is ready to give it his all.
The Russian has one Grand Slam to his name after winning the 2021 US Open tournament.
He once beat Djokovic in Flushing Meadows by playing a better game than he ever did in any other match and this is what he is willing to repeat to win his second major slam.
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