Daniil Medvedev can steal Novak Djokovic feat in Rafael Nadal Australian Open final

Daniil Medvedev reacts to US Open win over Novak Djokovic

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Daniil Medvedev could upset both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic with a win in Sunday’s Australian Open final. The world No 2 prevented Djokovic from winning a record 21st major at last year’s US Open final and will be looking to do the same against Nadal. And there is extra incentive for Medvedev, who could reach the top of the rankings for the first time.

Medvedev is bidding to become the first man in the Open Era to follow up his maiden Grand Slam title with a second successive one.

The 25-year-old has only ever faced Nadal and Djokovic in his Major finals – losing to the Spaniard in five sets at the 2019 US Open and losing to Djokovic in straights here last year before beating him 6-4 6-4 6-4 at the US Open.

Medvedev prevented the Serb from making history in Flushing Meadows, when he was bidding to become the first man in history to win a record 21st Grand Slam title.

And he will be hoping to do the same against Nadal on Sunday, with the world No 5 also holding a current record of 20 major titles, tied with Djokovic and Roger Federer.

JUST IN: Raducanu scared to leave own house as she speaks out on stalker ordeal

While Djokovic will likely be pulling for Medvedev to win, preventing Nadal from reaching the elusive 21st major before him, the 34-year-old finds himself in somewhat of a lose-lose situation as he can still lose one of his own achievements with a win for the Russian.

Not only would a title win see the world No 2 become the first man to back up his maiden Grand Slam victory, he would also be in with a shot at the top spot of the ranking.

Medvedev currently sits on 8,935 rankings points while Djokovic holds 11,015.

Because the Australian Open was delayed in 2021 and held in February, both players will keep their points from last year’s tournament until next month – 1,200 for Medvedev making the final and 2,000 for Djokovic winning.

DON’T MISS
Federer’s retirement hint as Nadal targets historic Aus Open triumph
Kyrgios makes Kokkinakis joke amid Aus Open win – ‘I crossed the line’
What Barty was spotted doing moments before Collins win

It means that Medvedev can steal the world No 1 ranking from the Serb if he wins the Australian Open, but faces a delay in reaching the top spot.

The 25-year-old is entered in the Rotterdam ATP 500 which commences on February 7.

According to the International Tennis Federation, Medvedev will become world No 1 on Monday February 14 if he wins the titles in both Melbourne and Rotterdam, and Djokovic does not play a tournament in the two weeks following the Australian Open.

If Medvedev pulls out of Rotterdam and does not compete at all in the three weeks following the Aussie Open, he will take the world No 1 spot a week later on Monday February 21 if he wins the title today, permitting both he and Djokovic do not play a tournament in the next three weeks.

Djokovic is currently entered in the Dubat ATP 500, which begins on the week of February 21.

Both Medvedev and Nadal are also playing that week, at the ATP 500 in Acapulco.

If the highest seed in Melbourne this week can clinch the top spot of the rankings, he will be the first man outside of the Big Four of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray to hold the world No 1 ranking since 2004 – when he was just eight years old.

Source: Read Full Article