We’ll wrap this blog up now – congratulations to Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev, who are through to the final of the men’s singles at the Australian Open, at the expense of Matteo Berrettini and Stefanos Tsitsipas respectively.
The women’s singles final between Ash Barty and Danielle Collins is tomorrow, so more to come soon. In the meantime, here are our most recent articles from the year’s first grand slam event:
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Medvedev, who has now won 13 grand slam matches in a row following his US Open triumph, assures the crowd he’s going watch Ash Barty v Danielle Collins tomorrow night.
Saturday dinner plans sorted ✅
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2022
But the #AO2022 women's singles final featuring Aussie world No.1 @ashbarty is on 📲@DaniilMedwed • #AusOpen • #AOinterview pic.twitter.com/z324EedF3a
“I’m very happy that I had the opportunity to perform here,” says Tsitsipas.
“My Greek and non-Greek fans ... Australia has a special place in my heart and I always feel at home here. I strongly believe I will be able to do very well here, one day, and give that joy and happiness shared with the fellow Aussies here, and the Greek community. It’s a tournament I very much love, and that I want to thrive in one day.”
"Australia has a special place in my heart, I always feel like I'm at home here," says @steftsitsipas.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2022
"I strongly believe I will be able to do very well here one day."#AusOpen • #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/7r97FFjP9c
It was noticeable, indeed, that Medvedev started hitting the ball harder in the third and fourth sets. There was one down-the-line forehand in particular that Tsitsipas was in position to hit, but could only pat meekly into the net. Medvedev’s serve dropped off a little in the second set, partly because Tsitsipas was playing so well and partly because the Russian flew into a rage with the umpire. But once he settled down again, he was by far the superior player, and Tsitsipas ran out of steam somewhat.
Medvedev on Eurosport (continued): “I feel like today was the match in the whole tournament where I was missing a little bit more than I wanted to ... especially on the backhand, there were a few crucial mistakes that could cost me the match ... so I was definitely not happy with myself in a few moments. But when you’ve played four hours and forty minutes before [in the quarter-final against Félix Auger-Aliassime] it’s not easy to go out there and put every ball in. At the same time it’s not something I’m going to work on for three hours. I just hope, next match, I’ll be more fresh and ready to put more balls in the court, because against Rafa, it’s important.”
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Medvedev spoke to Eurosport a few minutes ago: “Every match against Stefanos is kind of special ... it’s great, it was a really tight match, with some emotional moments on both sides ... I’m just super happy to manage to win it because I feel like it was very close.
“It was a rollercoaster ... Stefanos is an offensive player ... as soon as he has a forehand he tries to take control of the point, so we all know it, and I was a little bit tired today ... I don’t know if it was the pace of his forehand was too fast and if I was late on the ball, or if my legs were not fast enough, but I’m happy that at the end of the set I managed to ‘turn this light’ a little bit on and it was enough to be on some shots maybe where he would not even expect it, because before I was not ... I managed to put some spark on it ... I didn’t really try to change my position, I think I just tried to hit stronger when I had the ball on my racket, to not give him these easy balls to dictate the points.”
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I just caught the end of a snippet of Tsitsipas’s press conference: “I see today’s performance as a lesson that I can use to move forward,” he says. He looks devastated.
Out snap report from Medvedev’s win:
Daniil Medvedev, the US Open champion, has progressed to the Australian Open final, where he will meet Rafael Nadal. Nadal will be attempting to win a record 21st grand slam title.
Tsitsipas fought bravely today and his game plan, which included a liberal amount of drop shots to try and upset Medvedev’s rhythm, worked well to begin with. But there was always a sense that Medvedev could go to a higher level than Tsitsipas and switch it on when it counted. And that’s how it worked out as he streaked away to win the fourth and final set with a double break. Hats off to Medvedev, he is an incredible player, and the final against Nadal will be a must-see.
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On Eurosport, Mats Wilander was just defending Medvedev for his angry second-set outburst at the umpire, saying that the crowd was booing before his second serve. If you missed it, Medvedev was complaining that Tsitsipas’s father was coaching him from up in the stands, which is not permitted. Later in the match, Tsitsipas did receive a coaching warning, and to be fair to Medvedev, he appeared to apologise to the umpire at the end of the match. Still, I don’t buy Wilander’s reasons in trying to justify Medvedev’s behaviour. The way he spoke to the umpire was unacceptable, it’s as simple as that.
More reaction from Medvedev:
How did he bounce back physically after his semi-final? “When I went out from the match with Felix, I talked to my coach, and I was like: ‘How do I do it [again] in two days? I was so dead ... I sat down in the locker room after the match and I barely could move. I tried to do the recovery well, and next day I woke up, and I was like: It’s not too bad. I felt some pain here and there but it was not too bad, I can recover. I was more tired than usual [today] ... that’s why some mistakes happen, especially on the back hand. I’m happy today was not five hours, so I can look forward to the next one.”
“I’m going to play again against one of the greatest [Nadal in the final] ... what’s funny is that again I’m going to play someone going for the 21st slam [as Djokovic was last year]. I guess last time Rafa was watching the TV, I don’t know who he was cheering for, but I think Novak will be watching this one in two days also! [laughs] ... Grand slam finals are special ... of course I remember the match with Rafa at the US Open, we played like five hours, or something close to it ... We’ve played a few matches since then and I’m ready. I know that Rafa is a very strong player, I know I will need to show my best to try to win this match.”
Is he going to watch Barty v Collins in the women’s singles final tomorrow night? “It depends what time they play ... 7.30? I’m usually going to dinner at 8.15 so I’ll watch the beginning of the match ...
“I’m trying to set you up to win this crown over,” Courier jokes.
“I’m going to watch it on my phone, guys, I’m going to watch it!”
The crowd cheers.
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Rafael Nadal lays down his towel, spreads it across two parallel court-side advertising boards. He gently tugs at the near corners to ensure it is taut. Then looks at it again, pulls the far right-hand corner just a little. He squinches his face and surveys the symmetry, pats it with his hand. Content, he turns on his heels towards the baseline, ready for his serving ritual ...
Nadal news, from Tumaini Carayol:
Medvedev speaks to Jim Courier on court and is asked about his second-set meltdown with the umpire: “I don’t think bad emotions [when he had a go at the umpire] help me too much ... many times I lose a match because of this, you lose concentration, you lose energy ... as soon as I’ve done it, I was like: ‘That was a big mistake,’ but I’m happy that I managed to re-concentrate for the beginning of the third set ... I pulled out some serves, and that brought me back into the match and I was like, OK, I lost some energy but I have to refocus, the match is quite important, I think [laughs] ... I tried my best, and I’m happy it worked.
“Sometimes it was very even, a feel like a few moments, I maybe missed some balls where I could have gotten this break ... he missed a few in the beginning of the third set, and starting from 5-4 in the third, I found some momentum like in the eyes, to read his serve and to put every ball in and made a few very important passing shots... his energy went down because of this. My energy was going up, and I think it would go even more if the match would continue.
“I was more tired than usual ... I’m happy today was not five hours, so I can look forward to the next one.
“I’m going to play against one of the greatest [Nadal in the final] ... I think Novak will be watching this one in two days also. Grand slam finals are special ... I’m ready. I know that Rafa is a very strong player, I know I will need to show my best to try to win this match.”
Is he going to watch Barty v Collins in the women’s singles final tomorrow night? “It depends what time they’re playing ... I’m usually going to dinner at 8.15 so I’ll watch the start of the match ...
“I’m trying to set this up for you to win over the crowd,” Courier jokes.
“I’m going to watch it on my phone, guys, I’m going to watch it!”
The crowd cheers.
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“Not the warmest of handshakes,” observes the commentator as the two players meet at the net. Medvedev looks for some eye contact, but doesn’t get any. He then says sorry to the umpire for his ridiculous outburst earlier.
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Medvedev defeats Tsitsipas in four sets! 6-7 (5), 6-4, 4-6, 1-6
First up, a massive serve down the middle for 15-0. Then two stunning passing shots, just world-class from Medvedev, and he speeds to 40-0 and three match points. He crashes another clean winner out wide and he’s done it! He will face Rafael Nadal in the men’s singles final.
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Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 6-4, 4-6, 1-5 *Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Tsitsipas hammers his first serve down the middle. Medvedev gets it back, but Tsitsipas has a simple task to end the point with a drop shot. Medvedev digs out an impressive point for 15-15 and then Tsitsipas, looking a little fatigued now, can’t deal with a brilliant deep return which sets up a break point for the Russian. He is totally focused, he breaks serve again, and he’s a game away.
*Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 6-4, 4-6, 1-4 Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Medvedev has won 86% of points on his first serve. Tsitsipas has won 68%. Another gynormous serve here and there, in the latest game of the fourth set, and Medvedev is closing on the finish line and a final against Rafael Nadal.
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Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 6-4, 4-6, 1-3 *Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Medvedev breaks! An exquisite backhand pass from the back of the court helps Medvedev to break Tsitsipas, and it feels like the level of resistance from his opponent has dropped significantly now. This is Medvedev’s moment. He is hitting with supreme authority.
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“I don’t get it, to be honest,” says the commentator on Eurosport, regarding the coaching warning, as to how Tsitsipas’s masked-up father is managing to get any kind of message across from the stands. Maybe he’s coughing?
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*Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 6-4, 4-6, 1-2 Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Bang, bang, bang, Medvedev holds serve easily again, although there was one eye-catching winner from Tsitsipas in amongst that game.
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Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 6-4, 4-6, 1-1 *Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Tsitsipas produces one of the shots of the match to settle the first rally of the game, punching a crosscourt forehand from the baseline that Medvedev can only watch and admire. The younger player then sets up 40-15 with a nice combination of a huge serve and a delicate drop at the net. Medvedev soon hits long, and we’re all square in the fourth.
And then a coaching warning comes for Tsitsipas! Tsitsipas smiles, strangely, but that’s a victory of sorts for Medvedev who complained vociferously about it earlier.
“It must be hand signals,” says Henman on commentary. “How can you hear what he’s saying with a mask?”
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*Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 6-4, 4-6, 0-1 Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Medvedev holds to open up the fourth and then takes a sip of water. He smells a chance here. Can he crush his opponent’s challenge in the next few minutes?
Medvedev wins the third set against Tsitsipas! 6-7 (5), 6-4, 4-6
Medvedev produces a delicate drop for 0-15. Tsitsipas comes forward on the next point, and the Russian belts an unerring backhand pass beyond him down the line. Power and precision. Quick as a flash it’s 0-40 and three set points. Tsitsipas saves one of them with a powerful serve down the middle ... but on the next point, Medvedev is all over his opponent, working him around the court, and eventually creating a chance to smash for the set. Tsitsipas tries, heroically, to get the smash back but hits it wide. Medvedev is back in front! Tsitsipas has to come from a set down if he is going to delight the Greek fans and set up a meeting with Nadal.
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*Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 6-4, 4-5 Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Medvedev, who looks more in control now, continues to serve with punishing accuracy and power. He’s such a difficult player to deal with, when you combine his enormous serve with his speed and mobility in defence. But Tsitsipas is certainly giving it a go.
“It looks like these two didn’t cut any corners,” observes Tim Henman, in reference to the physical shape both are in.
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Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 6-4, 4-4 *Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Another booming wide serve seals the hold for the Greek player.
The score in this fixture last season was 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 to Medvedev. But he’s not having things all his way today ...
*Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 6-4, 3-4 Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Guess what? Medvedev holds to love. He rounds off the game with a dismissive forehand volley. Tsitsipas just stands there. The players will take a drink, and a pat-down with a towel, and we remain with serve in the third set.
Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 6-4, 3-3 *Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Tsitsipas fluffs a close-range volley for 0-15. He bring it back to 30-15 and then slaps down a good wide serve which sets up the point and 40-15. However, Medvedev isn’t willing to give this game up without a fight, and he forces it back to deuce with some thunderous hitting from the back of the court. At deuce, Tsitsipas again has no hesitation in attacking the net, and pulls off a beautifully controlled forehand volley for the advantage.
Medvedev, though, unloads an obscenely powerful forehand on the next point, cranking his whole body into it and giving it everything ... and Tsitsipas can’t get it back. Tsitsipas stays cool though and a wide serve, followed by one down the middle, and eventually seals the hold. Tsitsipas nods to himself emphatically. That was a test and he came through.
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*Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 6-4, 2-3 Medvedev (* denotes next server)
A love hold for “Mr Angry”, Daniil Medvedev, who is striding around the court like a bear with a sore head. A very tall bear, who is very good at playing tennis, admittedly.
It remains with serve at 2-3 in the third.
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Tsitsipas 6-7(5), 6-4, 2-2 *Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Tsitsipas cracks a sublime forehand down the line (which Tim Henman, on commentary, calls ‘inside-in’, which I’ve not heard before) ... and then hammers down his fourth ace of the match, at 212km/h, to make it 2-2 and all square in the third set.
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A choice rally from a little earlier:
From the latest release of video game tennis 🎮
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2022
🎥: @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis @DaniilMedwed • #AusOpen • #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/lERTQVNZ8t
*Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 6-4, 1-2 Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Tsitsipas musters a solitary point on his opponent’s serve, but Medvedev holds nice and easily.
Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 6-4, 1-1 *Medvedev (* denotes next server)
A booming wide serve by Tsitsipas seals his latest hold. He clenches his fist in celebration. A set all, a game all ... who is going to crack in the third set? The quality of tennis may have dropped slightly but the drama has intensified.
*Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 6-4, 0-1 Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Medvedev seems to collapse slightly in the middle of the game, and gives up a couple of break points, but he pulls himself together and holds. The crowd is against him, and he seems to think the umpire is against him. But he does the necessary and edges in front at the start of the third.
Medvedev really lost it with the umpire Jaume Campistol on that changeover, and at the end of the set, he has another go on the issue of Tsitsipas’s father coaching him from the stands.
On the changeover, Medvedev’s tirade included the following: “His father can talk every point! Can you answer my question please! Oh my God, you are so bad man! How can you be so bad in the semi-final of a grand slam? Look at me! I’m talking to you!”
At the end of the set, Medvedev said that if the umpire doesn’t take action: “You are ... how can I call it? A small cat.”
Medvedev isn’t the most popular player on tour, it’s fair to say. And it’s not hard to see why.
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Tsitsipas wins the second set against Medvedev! 6-7 (5), 6-4
It’s all square.
Tsitsipas is whipping the crowd up now. The crowd are responding. But Medvedev battles back from 40-15 and saves two set points. Tsitsipas then gets a warning from the umpire, I think for taking too long over his serve. At deuce, a phenomenal rally and some phenomenal defence from Medvedev ends with a clean winner from Tsitsipas! And then he seals the game, and the set!
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Medvedev just had a go at the umpire during the changeover, saying that Tsitsipas’s father is coaching him from his seat in the stands, which is a familiar refrain from the Greek player’s opponents ...
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*Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 5-4 Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Medvedev double-faults for 30-30, the first of the match from either player ... he then butchers a forehand to hand his opponent a break point ... and then he double-faults again to hand Tsitsipas the break! That is incredible! What’s going on with Medvedev?
Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 4-4 *Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Tsitsipas speeds through his latest service game with some power-packed hitting. A hold to love.
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*Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 3-4 Medvedev (* denotes next server)
It’s pouring with rain in the darkness of Melbourne, but the roof is closed and the fans are happy. Especially with what’s generally been a high-class match, even if the previous game was characterised by a succesion of unforced errors. Medvedev holds, again, and leads for the first time in the second set.
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Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 3-3 *Medvedev (* denotes next server)
At 15-15 Tsitsipas tries another drop shot. Medvedev gets there, and his attempted pass kisses the net, which makes it next to impossible for Tsitsipas to get it back ... the Greek player then coughs up an unforced error and suddenly it’s 15-40. Medvedev then errs, hitting long to gift his opponent a glimmer of hope at 30-40. Medvedev hits long again for deuce, after Tsitsipas shows incredible mental fortitude to carry on going for his shots despite being on the brink of losing this service game. Another unforced error from Tsitsipas and eventually, Medvedev grabs a break point, and he’s back on terms with the break back in this second set. He’s one won out of eight break points.
*Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 3-2 Medvedev (* denotes next server)
The Medvedev serve is back to its best and he conjures up another hold to love. But Tsitsipas, of course, only needs to hold serve to claim this set, being a break up.
Tsitsipas 6-7(5), 3-1 *Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Tsitsipas races to another hold of serve, including a second ace of the match. We’ve been going for just over an hour ... if Medvedev felt he had delivered a decisive blow in that first-set tiebreak, nothing could be further from the truth.
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*Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 2-1 Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Medvedev holds to love.
Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 2-0 *Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Top-class stuff from the 23-year-old Greek. He seals the hold, to back up the break of serve, with his first ace of the match. He is on top.
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*Tsitsipas 6-7 (5), 1-0 Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Tsitsipas takes his opponent’s serve to 30-30 ... Medvedev then shanks a horrible forehand long and wide and it’s break point! Tsitsipas duly seizes his moment, working his opponent around the court relentlessly on the next rally, unafraid to take on his shots. Medvedev’s defence is exemplary but Tsitsipas eventually wears him down, maybe wears him out, and breaks at the opening of the second set with an angled forehand winner that even the lightning-quick Medvedev can’t run down.
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Medvedev wins the first set against Tsitsipas! 6-7 (5)
Medvedev is under sustained pressure but he delivers when it really counts. Medvedev finds a wonderful down-the-line winner to edge back to parity at 4-4. Then he hits long, uncharacteristically, an unforced error which hands the lead back to his opponent. Unbowed and unflustered, Medvedev wins his next two service points, including a world-class double-handed backhand down the line for 6-5 and set point. Tsitsipas hits a fraction wide and it’s the first set for the US Open champion!
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Tsitsipas 6-6 Medvedev (4-3 tiebreak)
At 4-1 Medvedev spanks two big serves, when he needs them most, and it’s back to 4-3 in the tiebreak. Still advantage Tsitsipas.
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Tsitsipas 6-6 Medvedev (4-1 tiebreak)
Tsitsipas, on the second point of the tiebreak, mixes things up beautifully to seize the mini-break. He opens up a 4-1 lead after Medvedev hits wide, an unforced error. Tsitsipas is growing into this match, really growing into it, and Medvedev is in grave danger of losing this first set!
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First set: Tsitsipas 6-6 Medvedev
Easy as that, Medvedev holds comfortably (although Tsitsipas did win a point on his opponent’s serve, finally) ... and we’re into a first-set tiebreak.
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*Tsitsipas 6-5 Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Tsitsipas crushes a few big serves of his own, including a huge one down the middle for 40-0. Then he pulls off a sumptuous drop shot to seal the game. That’s brilliant stuff. Neither player has hit an ace yet, and we are with serve in the first set, but Medvedev passed up four break points in the ninth game. Or rather, Tsitsipas saved them.
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*Tsitsipas 5-5 Medvedev (* denotes next server)
The Russian holds to love again. Tsitsipas hasn’t mustered a point on Medvedev’s massive serve just yet. But he’s certainly hanging in there.
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Tsitsipas 5-4 *Medvedev (* denotes next server)
The longest, and most fascinating, game of the match arrives. A chance for the Russian comes at 0-30 after Tsitsipas comes in behind his second serve. He digs out a volley – just – but Medvedev sprints to the net and tucks away the winner. On the next point, it’s an epic 34-shot rally, which Medvedev wrestles control of and eventually claims with a fine angled winner. Medvedev raises his arms to greet the roar of the crowd.
At 0-40 Medvedev goes for it – he crushes a powerful attempted forehand winner which lands a fraction out. Tsitsipas puts away a volley to save another break point, making it 30-40. He then belts a wonderful, powerful backhand which Medvedev can’t get back for deuce – seriously impressive from the No 4 seed – but then hits wide, disappointingly, on the next point for break point No 4.
He saves that with a big serve down the middle ... and then a wonderful piece of anticipation from both players, Medvedev running wide to his left and attempting a backhand pass which Tsitsipas volleys confidently for another advantage ...
There is a bit more back-and-forth from advantage to deuce ... and Tsitsipas holds! Well done! Four break points for Medvedev ... but none taken.
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*Tsitsipas 4-4 Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Another crushing hold to love from Medvedev. He is getting those long levers working in the rallies, too, and Tsitsipas looks helpless to win a point on his opponent’s serve, let alone break him.
Tsitsipas 4-3 *Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Tsitsipas gets the better of Medvedev in another long exchange, at 15-15, and allows himself a little fist-pump. Tsitsipas is hitting the ball sweetly and the Russian eventually dumps a shot into the net from the baseline in that long rally. No worries for Tsitsipas and he holds easily.
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*Tsitsipas 3-3 Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Another game ticked off. Another comfy hold. To these eyes, it’s Tsitsipas who is having to work harder to keep parity with his opponent. Medvedev looks ready to pounce on any inaccuracy. But Tsitsipas is certainly not letting him dictate.
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Tsitsipas 3-2 *Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Again Tsitsipas opts for a drop, and he races to game point. At 40-0 Medvedev gets a slice of luck with a forehand that flicks off the net and drops in. He holds a hand up in apology. No worries for Tsitsipas, though, who tucks away a forehand with a minimum of fuss to hold again. This is moving fast. It’s with serve. Who is going to blink first?
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*Tsitsipas 2-2 Medvedev (* denotes next server)
Another hold to love. At 0-40, Tsitsipas tries another cute drop shot, but gets it wrong and flops it into the net. It’s clearly a tactic though. Aside from that, Medvedev winds up a couple of big ground strokes and holds with authority. We’re racing through this first set.
Tsitsipas 2-1 *Medvedev (* denotes next server)
A delightful drop shot from Tsitsipas for 15-0 – the Russian races to the net and gets it back but Tsitsipas easily lobs him, to the delight of the crowd. Tsitsipas then opens up the court with an angled forehand and puts the volley away crisply for 0-30. It’s another comfortable hold – and there are signs that Tsitsipas is going to try and mix things up a bit, and not let Medvedev get too comfortable with his power game from the baseline.
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*Tsitsipas 1-1 Medvedev (* denotes next server)
A protracted baseline rally to begin the game: Medvedev climbing into that impressive double-handed backhand with enthusiasm. Tsitsipas gains some ground in a long exchange but eventually nets from the baseline and Medvedev tonks down a couple of big serves after that to hold serve, like his opponent, comfortably at the outset.
Tsitsipas 1-0 *Medvedev (* denotes next server)
A stunning drop volley on the first point of the match from Tsitsipas as he attacks the net after sending a solid forehand down the line. That sets the tone for the game, and Tsitsipas holds with a minimum of fuss. A good start.
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Here we go. Tsitsipas to serve.
A few minutes late, the players are out on Rod Laver Arena. The umpire asks Tsitsipas if he’s OK with the red towels. The Greek player says he prefers the blue. Red towels for Medvedev it is, then.
The players are knocking up now. The roof is closed and the auditorium is packed with plenty of fans – up to the 65% capacity that is permitted, anyway.
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Medvedev dispatched Tsitsipas in straight sets at the same stage of this tournament last year. Can he make short work of him again? Tsitsipas looks buoyant since having surgery on his elbow late last year. He has spoken in the last few days about how it feels to play pain-free after a long time struggling with that injury. So perhaps he’s a different proposition this year.
Over on Eurosport, they’re playing a few snippets of Medvedev’s progress to this stage.
Following his last-eight win against Felix Auger Aliassime, Medvedev explained this devastatingly simple game plan: “I’m going to win one set ... maybe two ... maybe three ... and it worked out.”
Who do you like for this one? Medvedev or Tsitsipas? You can email me or get in touch on Twitter.
He said he would live if he did not win, and live Dylan Alcott shall. Without an eighth consecutive Australian Open title but with his nation behind him.
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Ash Barty will face Danielle Collins in Saturday’s women’s singles final. Tumaini Carayol reports:
Rafael Nadal is into the men’s singles final. Can he make it grand slam number 21 against Medvedev or Tsitsipas? Here’s our semi-final report:
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Preamble
A men’s singles semi-final at the Australian Open. They don’t come any bigger than this, do they? OK, yes they do, namely in the final, but this is still a very, very big day.
The 25-year-old Russian, Daniil Medvedev, is the man who defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets to claim last year’s US Open, his first grand slam title. The world No 1 Djokovic, as you may have heard, was sent home in controversial circumstances last week, which helped to create a remarkably open men’s singles draw in the first grand slam tournament of the year.
At 23, the Athens-born Stefanos Tsitsipas is – relatively speaking – the young pretender, without a grand slam title to date, but it is surely only a matter of time. Could this be his moment? Rafael Nadal defeated Matteo Berrettini in four sets to reach his sixth Australian Open final earlier today. Over the next few hours, we will discover who is going to face him in that final. Let’s get it on.
The match is scheduled to start at 8.30am UK / 7.30pm Melbourne time.
