Who Daniil Medvedev wants to beat more than 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

World number four Daniil Medvedev has the chance to provide an upset in the Astana Open when he meets 21-time Grand Slam title winner Novak Djokovic in the last four of the ATP 500 event on Saturday. However, the 26-year-old wants revenge over Spaniard Rafael Nadal after losing to the Spaniard in the Australian Open final earlier this season and US Open final in 2019.

Medvedev did go on to win last year’s US Open to secure his first Grand Slam crown, but the two defeats by Nadal has lasted long in his memory. Medvedev won his Astana Open quarter-final match against Roberto Agut 6-1, 6-1 setting up an intriguing match against an in-form Djokovic.

“I wouldn’t say so because I want to beat everybody and actually Rafa [Nadal] even more because I lost two Grand Slam finals against Rafa but I’m really happy to be playing against Novak,” Medvedev told Amazon Prime. Instead he meets Djokovic who is on an unstoppable run of 14 consecutive victories making the semi-final after a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Russian Karen Khachanov.

Due to Djokovic being prevented from playing in some tournaments this year, due to this Covid-19 status, the chance for players to test themselves against the Serbian have been limited. They did both play at Roland Garos but didn’t face off in the latter stages with Medvedev being knocked out at the last-16 stage while Djokovic was beaten by Nadal in the quarter-final.

“I thought about this before the match that we have played only one tournament together this year and that was Roland Garros, so this is the second one and we meet again and I’m really happy,” added Medvedev. “I feel like it’s not a bad rivalry, not of course close to Novak against Roger (Federer) or Rafa but still, and I need to be my best tomorrow.”

Medvedev had the chance to play alongside Nadal and Djokovic at the Laver Cup last month but was prevented by the British Government, according to Russian countryman Andrey Rublev. The world number four looked a certain picked for Team Europe but was not selected for the London tournament.

DON’T MISS:

• Novak Djokovic has brutal review of Astana performance as outlines what ‘needs’ to change
• Novak Djokovic unexpectedly brings up childhood to answer question after Astana win
• Roger Federer ‘not worried’ about future of tennis after the Big Three era ends

Despite being on a winning run Djokovic said he would have to raise his game in the Astana semi-final after dropping seven games against Khachanov. Afterwards he said: “I didn’t play as well from the baseline as I did in the first two matches, but still it was enough.

“I managed to produce some good tennis when it was the most needed in both sets. I always expect the highest level from myself and hopefully I can still elevate my level for tomorrow because it’s going to be needed obviously whoever I play against.”

Source: Read Full Article