Medvedev Stuns Alcaraz, Denying U.S. Open Dream Final

Playing at an 11 out of 10 level on Friday would be necessary for Daniil Medvedev to defeat Carlos Alcaraz and get to the U.S. Open final for the third time.

The third-seeded Russian, who triumphed in an exciting match inside Arthur Ashe Stadium 7-6(3) 6-1 3-6 6-3, ended Alcaraz’s run as Flushing Meadows champion.

Tennis fans were anticipating for a sensational Alcaraz v. Novak Djokovic Grand Slam season finale, but Medvedev’s victory prevented them from seeing it.

The final on Sunday between three-time champion Djokovic and former U.S. Open champion Medvedev is undoubtedly of the highest caliber, but it is hardly the continuation of the sport’s most exciting rivalry between Djokovic and Alcaraz.

The last match between Djokovic and Medvedev at the U.S. Open in 2021 saw the Russian win his lone major to date while the Serb was denied a rare calendar Grand Slam.

A match between the top-ranked and third-ranked players got off to an expectedly close start.

The set moved to a tie-break that Medvedev won 7-3 because Alcaraz was unable to generate even one break opportunity, while Medvedev only had two opportunities that he failed to capitalize on.

As the opening set of matches at Flushing Meadows was won by Medvedev, who had a perfect 26-0 record, it was a bad start for Alcaraz as the Spaniard’s trademark smile vanished.

Crucial 13-Minute Game

medvedev-stuns-alcaraz-denying-us-open-dream-final — Playing at an 11 out of 10 level on Friday would be necessary for Daniil Medvedev to defeat Carlos Alcaraz and get to the U.S. Open final for the third time.

After keeping serve to start the second set, Medvedev was given his first break opportunity of the match and took advantage of it to go up 2-0.

The 27-year-old Russian increased the pressure with another break at 5-1, owing to a spectacular backhand down the line that left the full audience screaming. Alcaraz, who was down a set and break, suddenly appeared uncertain.

Alcaraz needed to do something he had never done before after a straightforward hold turned a close match into a rout.

The 20-year-old Spaniard has accomplished a lot on the tennis court in his brief career, but he has yet to win a match after falling behind by two sets.

Alcaraz, who had been forced into a corner, came out more resolutely for the third and gained some momentum with a cunning lob to go up 3-1. Alcaraz would only require that, holding on to win the set 6-3 and take the first step in his comeback.

The sixth game of the fourth set, which lasted 13 minutes and was settled by Medvedev’s hard-earned break to take the lead 4-2, swiftly turned into a struggle of wills.

A rapid hold put all the emphasis on Alcaraz, whose championship defense was in jeopardy and required a break to prolong the match.

In a thrilling battle that went back and forth, Alcaraz would make one last defense; Medvedev needed four match points to win.

Source: Reuters