New York (dpa) – Daniil Medvedev prevented the expected dream final of many fans at the US Open with a spectacular victory against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and will now face top favorite Novak Djokovic in the final. The former winner from Russia somewhat surprisingly defeated the young Spanish tennis star Alcaraz in the semifinals on Friday evening (local time) 7:6 (7:3), 6:1, 3:6, 6:3. Djokovic had previously prevailed largely confidently against the American Ben Shelton 6:3, 6:2, 7:6 (7:4).
By winning a high-class match lasting 3:19 hours, Medvedev reached his third US Open final and wants his second Grand Slam title in New York after 2021. At that time, the now 27-year-old won the final against Djokovic thus missed the triumph at all Grand Slams in one year. “The challenge will be to beat a guy who has 23 Grand Slam titles and I only have one,” Medvedev said before the tournament’s showdown.
“I couldn’t be happier”
Djokovic can now win his fourth US Open title on Sunday, making him the oldest New York champion in the history of professional tennis. “These are the matches in environments that inspire me to wake up every day and work as hard as the boys,” Djokovic said. “Another Grand Slam final – I couldn’t be happier.” Unlike the recent defeat at Wimbledon, it will not be against Alcaraz, whom he will replace as number one in the world rankings after the tournament.
In his 100th US Open match, Djokovic successfully countered Shelton’s aggressive style of play and made use of his experience. The 20-year-old American managed to gain spectacular points, but he made too many easy mistakes. In addition, Djokovic had the right answer in the decisive phases, even if he weakened at times towards the end of the third round. He conceded two breaks, had to fend off a set point from Shelton and still kept his nerve in the tie-break. After 2:40 hours, Djokovic converted his second match point.
“I just love Ben’s cheering”
The Serb then imitated Shelton’s typical cheer. He held his right hand to his ear with his thumb and little finger apart and then hung up the imaginary phone. “I just love Ben’s celebration,” Djokovic said. “I thought it was very original and I copied it.” US media such as the broadcaster ESPN interpreted the gesture as meaning that Djokovic wanted to mock his opponent. “When I was a child, I learned that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” Shelton said.
In the final, Djokovic has the chance to extend his title record for men’s tennis and also draw level with Australia’s Margaret Court, who holds the most Grand Slam triumphs among women. For Djokovic it is his 36th final at a major, which puts him well ahead of Roger Federer (31st) in the men’s category.
Medvedev more consistent in the tie-break
For Medvedev it will be his fifth Grand Slam final. In the balanced first set, he and Alcaraz showed tennis at the highest level. In front of more than 23,000 spectators, including numerous guests of honor such as football legend Tom Brady, Oscar winner Jared Leto and basketball star Kevin Durant, both delivered numerous spectacular rallies that thrilled the fans.
In the tie-break, Medvedev was more consistent. After losing the set, Alcaraz seemed shocked and immediately conceded the first break of the game to make it 0-2. Medvedev played almost perfectly; the Russian only made three slight errors in the entire third set. But Alcaraz didn’t give up and fought his way back into the game. When the Spaniard managed the break to make it 3-1 in the third round, star guest Brady enthusiastically clapped with those sitting next to him.
But Medvedev didn’t let the loss of the set upset him and used his fourth match point. “I said before that I had to play (at the level) 11 out of 10 – and I played 12 out of 10,” the Russian said. “It was a great match from both of them, I’m very happy to be back here on Sunday.”
© dpa-infocom, dpa:230909-99-127902/6
2023-09-08 22:24:26
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