2022 Australian Open: Daniil Medvedev beats Stefanos Tsitsipas, reaches final
Daniil Medvedev beat Stefanos Tsitsipas to reach the 2022 Australian Open final on Friday. Medvedev earned a crucial win in four sets and will take on Rafael Nadal in the summit clash. The Russian star won the match 7-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 to prevail over Greek youngster Tsitsipas. Medvedev has reached his second successive Australian Open final, losing against Novak Djokovic in 2021.
Medvedev has reached his fifth Grand Slam final. He has been a three-time runner up, besides winning the 2021 US Open. He has raced to a 19-5 win-loss record at AO. Overall in Grand Slams, Medvedev has a win-loss record of 51-18.
Medvedev beat Henri Laaksonen in the first round (6-1, 6-4, 7-6). He overcame Nick Kyrgios in a four-set battle (7-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2). In the third round, he sealed a win versus Botic van de Zandschulp (6-4, 6-4, 6-2). In the fourth round, Medvedev won his duel against Maxime Cressy (6-2, 7-6, 6-7, 7-5). He came back in the quarters to beat Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Medvedev and Tsitsipas have faced each other on nine occasions, including this match. Medvedev has extended his win tally versus Tsitsipas to 7-2. Interestingly, Medvedev had downed Tsitsipas in the semi-final of the 2021 Australian Open as well. Post that, Tsitsipas overcame Medvedev in the quarters at the Roland Garros (6-3, 7-6, 7-5) last year.
Medvedev targeted Tsitsipas' backhand from the baseline with his flat and powerful ground-strokes throughout the semi-final. The Russian ace managed to hit 39 winners and broke Tsitsipas four times to make it to the final after two hours and 34 minutes. He also hit 13 aces compared to Tsitsipas' five. He enjoyed an 86% win on the first serve and had four double faults.
Nadal leads Medvedev 3-1 in the head-to-head meetings and is targeting a record-breaking 21st Slam honor. Meanwhile, as per ATP, Medvedev can become the first player to follow his maiden major trophy with his second at the next Grand Slam event if he beats Nadal.
"I am going to play again against one of the greatest and against someone going for their 21st Grand Slam. Grand Slam finals are special and I can remember the final against Rafa at the [2019] US Open. It was my first final and we played for about five hours. We have played a few matches since then and I am ready," said Medvedev.
