Germany's Alexander Zverev came up some of the best tennis of the season in front of a cheering crowd as he defeated world No.1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia in three sets to set up a title clash with Russian Daniil Medvedev at the Nitto ATP Finals in a late Saturday night match here. 
 
Producing high-quality tennis, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games gold medallist edged Djokovic 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3 in the year-end elite tournament to raise hopes that he could finally break the jinx of not winning a major when the Australian Open commences in January next year. 
 
The German, who beat Djokovic in the 2018 season finale championship match in London, played bravely and hit with depth in the crucial moments against the Serbian, who was crowned the world No.1 for a record seventh year recently. Zverev saved a set point in the first set and closed the net effectively throughout to advance after two hours and 29 minutes in an thrilling match.

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The 24-year-old hit 35 winners at the Pala Alpitour and reduced his ATP head-to-head deficit with Djokovic to 4-7. 
 
"Every time we play it takes hours," Zverev said in his on-court interview. "I have not spent more time on court with anybody other than him (Djokovic) this year. I am happy with the win and happy to be in the final here and to give myself the best chance for the final," Zverev told atptour.com. 
 
With this victory, Zverev avenged his US Open semifinal loss to Djokovic. It is the second time the 18-time tour-level titlist has beaten the top seed this year, after upsetting him en route to clinching the Tokyo Olympic singles gold. 
 
Zverev, who went 2-1 in Red Group action at the Nitto ATP Finals to qualify for the last-four, will face Medvedev in the final later on Sunday after the Russian cruised past Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-2. Medvedev leads Zverev 6-5 in their ATP head-to-head, having defeated the 24-year-old in a third-set tie-break in the round-robin stage earlier this week. 
 
Zverev will now try to do what he did in 2018 when he won the title by reversing a round-robin loss to the player he`s meeting in the championship match.

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"I lost 8/6 in the third in the group stage, so I am just looking forward to the match as I think it will be a great one," Zverev said. "There is only the best here, so it takes a lot to win this tournament. 
 
"I am looking forward to having another chance and we are in the final and I am happy to be in the final. He is one of the best players in the world right now, so It is going to be a difficult match no matter what." 
 
The world No. 3 has now earned 58 tour-level wins this season. The German triumphed at ATP Masters 1000 events in Madrid and Cincinnati, while he also lifted trophies in Acapulco and Vienna.

Germany's Alexander Zverev came up some of the best tennis of the season in front of a cheering crowd as he defeated world No.1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia in three sets to set up a title clash with Russian Daniil Medvedev at the Nitto ATP Finals in a late Saturday night match here.

Germany's Alexander Zverev came up some of the best tennis of the season in front of a cheering crowd as he defeated world No.1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia in three sets to set up a title clash with Russian Daniil Medvedev at the Nitto ATP Finals in a late Saturday night match here. Producing high-quality tennis, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games gold medallist edged Djokovic 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3 in the year-end elite tournament to raise hopes that he could finally break the jinx of not winning a major when the Australian Open commences in January next year. The German, who beat Djokovic in the 2018 season finale championship match in London, played bravely and hit with depth in the crucial moments against the Serbian, who was crowned the world No.1 for a record seventh year recently. Zverev saved a set point in the first set and closed the net effectively throughout to advance after two hours and 29 minutes in an thrilling match. ALSO READ: Watch: Chinese reporter posts video, which shows tennis player Peng Shuai having dinner with her coach The 24-year-old hit 35 winners at the Pala Alpitour and reduced his ATP head-to-head deficit with Djokovic to 4-7. "Every time we play it takes hours," Zverev said in his on-court interview. "I have not spent more time on court with anybody other than him (Djokovic) this year. I am happy with the win and happy to be in the final here and to give myself the best chance for the final," Zverev told atptour.com. With this victory, Zverev avenged his US Open semifinal loss to Djokovic. It is the second time the 18-time tour-level titlist has beaten the top seed this year, after upsetting him en route to clinching the Tokyo Olympic singles gold. Zverev, who went 2-1 in Red Group action at the Nitto ATP Finals to qualify for the last-four, will face Medvedev in the final later on Sunday after the Russian cruised past Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-2. Medvedev leads Zverev 6-5 in their ATP head-to-head, having defeated the 24-year-old in a third-set tie-break in the round-robin stage earlier this week. Zverev will now try to do what he did in 2018 when he won the title by reversing a round-robin loss to the player he`s meeting in the championship match. ALSO READ | Novak Djokovic supports WTA's decision of possible pull out of China over Peng Shuai's disappearance "I lost 8/6 in the third in the group stage, so I am just looking forward to the match as I think it will be a great one," Zverev said. "There is only the best here, so it takes a lot to win this tournament. "I am looking forward to having another chance and we are in the final and I am happy to be in the final. He is one of the best players in the world right now, so It is going to be a difficult match no matter what." The world No. 3 has now earned 58 tour-level wins this season. The German triumphed at ATP Masters 1000 events in Madrid and Cincinnati, while he also lifted trophies in Acapulco and Vienna.

ATP Finals: Alexander Zverev stuns Novak Djokovic to set up title clash with Daniil Medvedev

World number two Daniil Medvedev came from a set down to power past ATP Finals debutant Hubert Hurkacz 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4 and get his title defence off to a winning start in Turin on Sunday.

Olympic champion Alexander Zverev was also awarded a win in his opening match after Italian Matteo Berretini pulled out injured early in the second set with the German leading 7-6 1-0.

Russian Medvedev, who won the U.S. Open title in September for his maiden Grand Slam crown, allowed his Polish opponent to take the early advantage in the season-ending event following a tight tiebreaker but responded in style.

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The 25-year-old fired 15 aces to Hurkacz`s 12 and converted two break points on a fast court to seal victory in the Red Group ahead of potentially tricky challenges against Germany`s Alexander Zverev and Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini.

"It was a very tight match," said Medvedev, looking to become the first back-to-back ATP Finals winner since Serb Novak Djokovic claimed four between 2012-15, in his post-match interview. "One good shot and the point is over.

"I think a lot of matches are going to be like this because the courts are super fast. The only two games I had break points I managed to break and that was the key."

Medvedev showed glimpses of the form that helped him beat Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Dominic Thiem en route to the title on London last year, as he went up 3-0 in the second set after an early break.

He raised his level in the third set to close out the match, hitting more than 30 winners and not facing a single breakpoint in a clash lasting a little more than two hours.

World number three Zverev was made to work very hard against Berrettini for more than an hour before the Italian pulled out injured.

Berrettini had struggled to hold serve, having to save two break points on his very first service game alone, but his forehand repeatedly got him out of trouble.

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Another two dizzying forehand crosscourt winners earned him his first two break and set points at 6-5 but he could not convert either.

Zverev also squandered two set points before clinching the tie break on his third chance after an hour and 19 minutes.

But after a game into the second set Berrettini needed a medical break for on-court treatment to his abdominal muscles and lasted only one more point before pulling out in tears.

"I don`t know what to say because it is the worst feeling you will ever have as a player," Zverev said. "Obviously, I feel like crying. "I thought the first set was incredible high level tennis."

World number two Daniil Medvedev came from a set down to power past ATP Finals debutant Hubert Hurkacz 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4 and get his title defence off to a winning start in Turin on Sunday.

World number two Daniil Medvedev came from a set down to power past ATP Finals debutant Hubert Hurkacz 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4 and get his title defence off to a winning start in Turin on Sunday. Olympic champion Alexander Zverev was also awarded a win in his opening match after Italian Matteo Berretini pulled out injured early in the second set with the German leading 7-6 1-0. Russian Medvedev, who won the U.S. Open title in September for his maiden Grand Slam crown, allowed his Polish opponent to take the early advantage in the season-ending event following a tight tiebreaker but responded in style. ALSO READ: ATP Finals: 'Fresher' Novak Djokovic sets eyes on Roger Federer's record of six end-of-season titles The 25-year-old fired 15 aces to Hurkacz`s 12 and converted two break points on a fast court to seal victory in the Red Group ahead of potentially tricky challenges against Germany`s Alexander Zverev and Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini. "It was a very tight match," said Medvedev, looking to become the first back-to-back ATP Finals winner since Serb Novak Djokovic claimed four between 2012-15, in his post-match interview. "One good shot and the point is over. "I think a lot of matches are going to be like this because the courts are super fast. The only two games I had break points I managed to break and that was the key." Medvedev showed glimpses of the form that helped him beat Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Dominic Thiem en route to the title on London last year, as he went up 3-0 in the second set after an early break. He raised his level in the third set to close out the match, hitting more than 30 winners and not facing a single breakpoint in a clash lasting a little more than two hours. World number three Zverev was made to work very hard against Berrettini for more than an hour before the Italian pulled out injured. Berrettini had struggled to hold serve, having to save two break points on his very first service game alone, but his forehand repeatedly got him out of trouble. ALSO READ | Daniil Medvedev says double triumph late last year at Paris Masters and ATP Finals laid platform for rise Another two dizzying forehand crosscourt winners earned him his first two break and set points at 6-5 but he could not convert either. Zverev also squandered two set points before clinching the tie break on his third chance after an hour and 19 minutes. But after a game into the second set Berrettini needed a medical break for on-court treatment to his abdominal muscles and lasted only one more point before pulling out in tears. "I don`t know what to say because it is the worst feeling you will ever have as a player," Zverev said. "Obviously, I feel like crying. "I thought the first set was incredible high level tennis."

ATP Finals: Daniil Medvedev survives Hubert Hurkacz scare, Mateo Berrettini injured vs Alexander Zverev

World number two Daniil Medvedev came from a set down to power past ATP Finals debutant Hubert Hurkacz 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4 and get his title defence off to a winning start in Turin on Sunday.

Russian Medvedev, who won the US&nbsp;Open title in September for his maiden Grand Slam crown, allowed his Polish opponent to take the early advantage in the season-ending event following a tight tiebreaker but responded in style.

The 25-year-old fired 15 aces to Hurkacz's 12 and converted two break points on a fast court to seal victory in the Red Group ahead of potentially tricky challenges against Germany's Alexander Zverev and Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini.

"It was a very tight match," said Medvedev, looking to become the first back-to-back ATP Finals winner since Serb Novak Djokovic claimed four between 2012-15, in his post-match interview. "One good shot and the point is over.

"I think a lot of matches are going to be like this because the courts are super fast. The only two games I had break points I managed to break and that was the key."

Medvedev showed glimpses of the form that helped him beat Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Dominic Thiem en route to the title on London last year, as he went up 3-0 in the second set after an early break.

He raised his level in the third set to close out the match, hitting more than 30 winners and not facing a single breakpoint in a clash lasting a little more than two hours.

Olympic champion Zverev will face Italian Berrettini in the second Red Group match later on Sunday.

World number two Daniil Medvedev came from a set down to power past ATP Finals debutant Hubert Hurkacz 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4 and get his title defence off to a winning start in Turin on Sunday. Russian Medvedev, who won the US Open title in September for his maiden Grand Slam crown, allowed his Polish opponent to take the early advantage in the season-ending event following a tight tiebreaker but responded in style. The 25-year-old fired 15 aces to Hurkacz's 12 and converted two break points on a fast court to seal victory in the Red Group ahead of potentially tricky challenges against Germany's Alexander Zverev and Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini. "It was a very tight match," said Medvedev, looking to become the first back-to-back ATP Finals winner since Serb Novak Djokovic claimed four between 2012-15, in his post-match interview. "One good shot and the point is over. "I think a lot of matches are going to be like this because the courts are super fast. The only two games I had break points I managed to break and that was the key." Medvedev showed glimpses of the form that helped him beat Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Dominic Thiem en route to the title on London last year, as he went up 3-0 in the second set after an early break. He raised his level in the third set to close out the match, hitting more than 30 winners and not facing a single breakpoint in a clash lasting a little more than two hours. Olympic champion Zverev will face Italian Berrettini in the second Red Group match later on Sunday.

Daniil Medvedev fights back to sink Hubert Hurkacz in ATP Finals opener

Back-to-back triumphs at the Paris Masters and ATP Finals last year convinced Daniil Medvedev that he belongs among the world's best, the Russian said on Friday as he prepares to defend his title in the season finale.

The 25-year-old used the platform for a superb 2021 in which he made his breakthrough on the grandest stage, winning a first major at the US&nbsp;Open where he beat top-ranked Novak Djokovic in the final to deny the Serb a rare calendar Grand Slam.

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World number two Medvedev lost to Djokovic in the Paris Masters title clash last Sunday and will look to continue their intriguing rivalry at the ATP Finals in Turin.

"Coming into Paris last year I was feeling completely out of shape and out of confidence," Medvedev told reporters. "I wasn't sure what I could achieve in the last two tournaments and then I found my confidence, won both. In the ATP finals I managed to beat Novak, Rafa Nadal and Dominic Thiem.

"Three tough matches, so it was amazing... After you achieve it, you're back... you say `OK I'm still able to do it` because we had the pandemic where everybody didn`t play for a long time. I had problems with my body, so coming back wasn`t easy.

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"There was this 'down moment'&nbsp;where I wasn't sure about myself and these two tournaments brought back the confidence... made me sure that I'd be able to beat the best players in the world. That`s what you have to know to be one of them."

Medvedev opens the singles action on Sunday against Polish debutant Hubert Hurkacz and will meet Germany`s Alexander Zverev and Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini in the Red Group.

Back-to-back triumphs at the Paris Masters and ATP Finals last year convinced Daniil Medvedev that he belongs among the world's best, the Russian said on Friday as he prepares to defend his title in the season finale.

Back-to-back triumphs at the Paris Masters and ATP Finals last year convinced Daniil Medvedev that he belongs among the world's best, the Russian said on Friday as he prepares to defend his title in the season finale. The 25-year-old used the platform for a superb 2021 in which he made his breakthrough on the grandest stage, winning a first major at the US Open where he beat top-ranked Novak Djokovic in the final to deny the Serb a rare calendar Grand Slam. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic downs Daniil Medvedev to claim record sixth Paris Masters title World number two Medvedev lost to Djokovic in the Paris Masters title clash last Sunday and will look to continue their intriguing rivalry at the ATP Finals in Turin. "Coming into Paris last year I was feeling completely out of shape and out of confidence," Medvedev told reporters. "I wasn't sure what I could achieve in the last two tournaments and then I found my confidence, won both. In the ATP finals I managed to beat Novak, Rafa Nadal and Dominic Thiem. "Three tough matches, so it was amazing... After you achieve it, you're back... you say `OK I'm still able to do it` because we had the pandemic where everybody didn`t play for a long time. I had problems with my body, so coming back wasn`t easy. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic refuses to clarify COVID-19 vaccine status amid uncertainity over Australian Open participation "There was this 'down moment' where I wasn't sure about myself and these two tournaments brought back the confidence... made me sure that I'd be able to beat the best players in the world. That`s what you have to know to be one of them." Medvedev opens the singles action on Sunday against Polish debutant Hubert Hurkacz and will meet Germany`s Alexander Zverev and Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini in the Red Group.

Daniil Medvedev says double triumph late last year at Paris Masters and ATP Finals laid platform for rise

Novak Djokovic won a record-extending sixth Paris Masters title by avenging his U.S Open final defeat against Russian Daniil Medvedev with a 4-6 6-3 6-3 victory in Sunday`s showpiece match.

The Serbian, who is guaranteed to secure the year-end world number one spot for a record seventh time, needed time to adjust to break the world number two`s sturdy defence but was unstoppable once he found his opening.

Djokovic was looking to avoid ending a season without a Masters title for the first time since 2017 and kept his cool throughout to accomplish his mission against the holder.

Medvedev was overwhelmed in the third set and bowed out of the contest on the first match point when Djokovic unleashed a superb forehand winner down the line.

Two months after Medvedev denied Djokovic a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam men`s singles title when he beat the Serb at Flushing Meadows, the Russian was hoping to lock his opponent into a backhand-to-backhand battle again.

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Medvedev broke in the opening game as Djokovic made a flurry of unforced errors with the lanky Russian keeping him on the back foot.

The world number one levelled for 2-2 but Medvedev stole his serve again to move 4-3 up with a splendid sliced backhand at the net.

The Russian then held serve twice to pocket the first set when Djokovic returned long.

The Serbian, however, turned the tables in the second set, going 3-1 up as Medvedev buried a backhand into the net.

Djokovic served and volleyed to save a break point at 5-3 and saw off a second with a big serve. Medvedev set up a third with a spectacular block at the net but the top seed`s first serve again came to the rescue.

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Djokovic eventually took the match into a decider with an ace on his third set point.

He broke for 3-2 courtesy of three unforced errors by Medvedev and stole his opponent`s serve again to move 5-2 up.

Serving for he match, Djokovic gave Medvedev too much space and the Russian pulled a break back but his tank was empty and he surrendered on his serve in the next game. 
&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic won a record-extending sixth Paris Masters title by avenging his U.S Open final defeat against Russian Daniil Medvedev with a 4-6 6-3 6-3 victory in Sunday`s showpiece match.

Novak Djokovic won a record-extending sixth Paris Masters title by avenging his U.S Open final defeat against Russian Daniil Medvedev with a 4-6 6-3 6-3 victory in Sunday`s showpiece match. The Serbian, who is guaranteed to secure the year-end world number one spot for a record seventh time, needed time to adjust to break the world number two`s sturdy defence but was unstoppable once he found his opening. Djokovic was looking to avoid ending a season without a Masters title for the first time since 2017 and kept his cool throughout to accomplish his mission against the holder. Medvedev was overwhelmed in the third set and bowed out of the contest on the first match point when Djokovic unleashed a superb forehand winner down the line. Two months after Medvedev denied Djokovic a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam men`s singles title when he beat the Serb at Flushing Meadows, the Russian was hoping to lock his opponent into a backhand-to-backhand battle again. ALSO READ: Paris Masters: Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev reach semifinals Medvedev broke in the opening game as Djokovic made a flurry of unforced errors with the lanky Russian keeping him on the back foot. The world number one levelled for 2-2 but Medvedev stole his serve again to move 4-3 up with a splendid sliced backhand at the net. The Russian then held serve twice to pocket the first set when Djokovic returned long. The Serbian, however, turned the tables in the second set, going 3-1 up as Medvedev buried a backhand into the net. Djokovic served and volleyed to save a break point at 5-3 and saw off a second with a big serve. Medvedev set up a third with a spectacular block at the net but the top seed`s first serve again came to the rescue. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic refuses to clarify COVID-19 vaccine status amid uncertainity over Australian Open participation Djokovic eventually took the match into a decider with an ace on his third set point. He broke for 3-2 courtesy of three unforced errors by Medvedev and stole his opponent`s serve again to move 5-2 up. Serving for he match, Djokovic gave Medvedev too much space and the Russian pulled a break back but his tank was empty and he surrendered on his serve in the next game.

Novak Djokovic downs Daniil Medvedev to claim record sixth Paris Masters title

Novak Djokovic stayed on course for a sixth Paris Masters title with 6-4 6-3 win over American Taylor Fritz while world number two Medvedev tamed home crowd favourite Hugo Gaston to reach the semi-finals on Friday.

Medvedev outclassed Gaston 7-6(7) 6-4 after he clinched a knife-edged opening set.

On Saturday Djokovic will meet Polish seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz, while Medvedev clashes with either German Alexander Zverev or Norway's Casper Ruud, who meet in the last quarter-final later on Friday.

Djokovic and Fritz traded fierce ground strokes in the first set before the 20-times major winner broke serve at 3-4. Fritz broke back immediately but Djokovic`s supremacy from the back of the court finally told as he clinched the opener in 38 minutes.

"I was absent from the Tour for two months, coming into this tournament, and the last competitive match I played was in the U.S. Open final, compared to the other guys playing one or two events prior to Paris," said Djokovic, who lost to Medvedev in the final at Flushing Meadows.

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"I knew that I needed to start well, with good intensity and put in a lot of hours on the practice court. But it`s different when you play points in a competitive match."

The pair again exchanged service breaks at the start of the second before Fritz blew a chance at 1-1 with Djokovic down 15-40. The Serb seized control after overcoming that minor blip, winning 12 of 14 points from 2-2 to register his fifth straight win over the 24-year-old American.

"I did have ups and downs. I am not really pleased with the way I closed out the sets. I lost my serve to love (at 1-1), then (at) 5-3, again, I served for it with new balls and lost to love again. Those things shouldn`t happen," added Djokovic.

Medvedev double-faulted to hand Gaston a 5-4 lead in the opening set and then saved three successive set points on the Frenchman`s serve to force a tiebreak as the next two games went with serve.

More spectacular shots and nerve-jangling action followed as Gaston saved a set point with a delicious backhand winner before Medvedev eventually clinched the hour-long set with a service winner which silenced vocal home fans in Paris.

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The Russian raced into a 4-0 lead in the second set but 21-year old Gaston, who rallied from a 5-0 second-set deficit to beat Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in the previous round, won the next three games and got the crowd back on their feet.

But Medvedev then held his nerve and serve, sealing the pulsating contest with a forehand crosscourt winner in a jittery final game in which he double-faulted on his first match point.

Earlier on Friday, Hurkacz dug deep to force James Duckworth into submission 6-2 6-7(4) 7-5 and book a clash with Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic stayed on course for a sixth Paris Masters title with 6-4 6-3 win over American Taylor Fritz while world number two Medvedev tamed home crowd favourite Hugo Gaston to reach the semi-finals on Friday.

Novak Djokovic stayed on course for a sixth Paris Masters title with 6-4 6-3 win over American Taylor Fritz while world number two Medvedev tamed home crowd favourite Hugo Gaston to reach the semi-finals on Friday. Medvedev outclassed Gaston 7-6(7) 6-4 after he clinched a knife-edged opening set. On Saturday Djokovic will meet Polish seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz, while Medvedev clashes with either German Alexander Zverev or Norway's Casper Ruud, who meet in the last quarter-final later on Friday. Djokovic and Fritz traded fierce ground strokes in the first set before the 20-times major winner broke serve at 3-4. Fritz broke back immediately but Djokovic`s supremacy from the back of the court finally told as he clinched the opener in 38 minutes. "I was absent from the Tour for two months, coming into this tournament, and the last competitive match I played was in the U.S. Open final, compared to the other guys playing one or two events prior to Paris," said Djokovic, who lost to Medvedev in the final at Flushing Meadows. ALSO READ: From Novak Djokovic to Glenn Maxwell: Global stars wish India a safe and happy Diwali "I knew that I needed to start well, with good intensity and put in a lot of hours on the practice court. But it`s different when you play points in a competitive match." The pair again exchanged service breaks at the start of the second before Fritz blew a chance at 1-1 with Djokovic down 15-40. The Serb seized control after overcoming that minor blip, winning 12 of 14 points from 2-2 to register his fifth straight win over the 24-year-old American. "I did have ups and downs. I am not really pleased with the way I closed out the sets. I lost my serve to love (at 1-1), then (at) 5-3, again, I served for it with new balls and lost to love again. Those things shouldn`t happen," added Djokovic. Medvedev double-faulted to hand Gaston a 5-4 lead in the opening set and then saved three successive set points on the Frenchman`s serve to force a tiebreak as the next two games went with serve. More spectacular shots and nerve-jangling action followed as Gaston saved a set point with a delicious backhand winner before Medvedev eventually clinched the hour-long set with a service winner which silenced vocal home fans in Paris. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic refuses to clarify COVID-19 vaccine status amid uncertainity over Australian Open participation The Russian raced into a 4-0 lead in the second set but 21-year old Gaston, who rallied from a 5-0 second-set deficit to beat Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in the previous round, won the next three games and got the crowd back on their feet. But Medvedev then held his nerve and serve, sealing the pulsating contest with a forehand crosscourt winner in a jittery final game in which he double-faulted on his first match point. Earlier on Friday, Hurkacz dug deep to force James Duckworth into submission 6-2 6-7(4) 7-5 and book a clash with Djokovic.

Paris Masters: Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev reach semifinals

With no teenagers and no Daniil Medvedev left in the draw, this tournament will definitely not be a repeat of the U.S. Open.

Medvedev, so cool and pressure-proof on his way to his first Grand Slam title last month in New York, looked ready to keep rolling Wednesday at the BNP Paribas Open.

He led Grigor Dimitrov by a set and two breaks of serve in the round of 16. But tennis remains an unpredictable game, and the top-seeded Medvedev proceeded to lose his way in the desert sunshine as Dimitrov, playing patiently and boldly at just the right times, reeled off wins in eight consecutive games and then held firm to finish off the upset, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

“Impossible until possible, I guess,” Dimitrov said in a television interview.

But if this is not the U.S. Open, it is not truly the Indian Wells tournament, either. That event, usually held annually in March, has grown in size and stature under its free-spending owner, Larry Ellison, becoming the most popular and prestigious tour stop after the four Grand Slam tournaments and the year-end tour finals.

In 2019, 475,000 spectators came to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden during the event’s nearly two-week run, filling up the stadium courts and the upscale restaurants that overlook them. In recent years, the tournament generated an estimated annual economic impact of more than $400 million in the greater Palm Springs region.

But in March 2020, it became the first major international sports event to be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. The decision, which was ultimately Ellison’s call, turned out to be the correct one. Though there were skeptics when the move was announced just before the qualifying tournament, other leagues and events soon followed as the scope and threat of the pandemic became clearer.

“We thought they were nuts at first for calling it off,” Krystal Meier, a longtime fan and tournament attendee from Long Beach, said last week. “How could anybody have known what was coming?”

This year, the BNP Paribas Open was moved from March to October, and though the prize money is roughly the same as in 2019, the star power and atmosphere are not.

According to tournament officials, attendance is on track to be about half of what it was in 2019. The change in date is certainly a factor. Many seasonal residents have yet to arrive in the area, and regulars who made March attendance a tradition were clearly not ready to embrace October.

The decision to require vaccination of all spectators may have limited the overall numbers while reassuring some fans. “When we saw everybody was going to be vaccinated, we definitely felt better about coming,” Meier said.

But there is still underlying concern about attending mass events and traveling too far from home. More than 87% of the spectators in 2019 were from outside the Palm Springs area.

Another reason for the smaller crowds is surely the changing of the guard in tennis. The tournament is missing the two biggest stars in the women’s game (Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka) and the three biggest stars in the men’s game (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic).

Federer, 40, and Nadal, 35, are recovering from injuries, and they announced the end of their 2020 seasons in August. Djokovic, 34, is resting and recovering after losing to Medvedev in straight sets in last month’s U.S. Open final, a defeat that stopped him just short of becoming the first man to complete a Grand Slam in singles since Rod Laver in 1969.

Dominic Thiem, who won the men’s title here in 2019, is also out with an injury. He, like the other high-profile absentees, still has a presence in Indian Wells. In a nod to the obvious, tournament organizers have put life-size images of all of them on a wall behind Stadium 2 featuring the words “We miss you.” It has become a magnet during the event, with fans posing for photographs next to the photographs.

Posing next to flesh-and-blood players has been much trickier because of the pandemic restrictions, which have meant a ban on official autograph sessions. (Informal signings have still taken place.)

None of the women’s singles quarterfinalists in New York reached the quarterfinals here, with surprise Open champion Emma Raducanu losing in her opening match to the 100th-ranked Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

The far more experienced Medvedev fared better with his bedeviling blend of offense and defense, and he fared very well against Dimitrov until he took a 4-1 lead in the second set.

But Dimitrov, the Bulgarian who is seeded No. 23, was opportunistic enough to change the momentum. At 30, he has yet to reach the heights that have seemed his destiny, given his stylish, all-court game. But he remains a dangerous opponent, and after showing flashes of fine form at the San Diego Open the week before Indian Wells, he lifted his game Wednesday as Medvedev’s dropped.

“He definitely flipped the switch,” Medvedev said. “It’s not that I started missing everything and like really playing bad. I still maintained some level, if we can call it like this. In so many matches, it would be enough to finish the match.”

Once in the rallies, Dimitrov almost exclusively sliced his single-handed backhand down the stretch and waited — and waited — to take big risks with his forehand. Most of them paid off in the final set, and he took a 5-1 lead as Medvedev expressed displeasure in rare fashion by breaking a racket between his first and second serves (he double faulted) and going on to lose his serve for the sixth time.

“That shows how slow this court is, and the conditions are more like clay, I would say, which I don’t like,” Medvedev said.

Dimitrov soon lost his serve, too, as he tried to finish off the upset at 5-1, but he did not falter at 5-3, holding at love and thrusting both arms into the air.

Though the sky above him was typical Indian Wells — clear and azure — what was happening back on earth remained anything but business as usual.

With no teenagers and no Daniil Medvedev left in the draw, this tournament will definitely not be a repeat of the U.S. Open. Medvedev, so cool and pressure-proof on his way to his first Grand Slam title last month in New York, looked ready to keep rolling Wednesday at the BNP Paribas Open.

With no teenagers and no Daniil Medvedev left in the draw, this tournament will definitely not be a repeat of the U.S. Open. Medvedev, so cool and pressure-proof on his way to his first Grand Slam title last month in New York, looked ready to keep rolling Wednesday at the BNP Paribas Open. He led Grigor Dimitrov by a set and two breaks of serve in the round of 16. But tennis remains an unpredictable game, and the top-seeded Medvedev proceeded to lose his way in the desert sunshine as Dimitrov, playing patiently and boldly at just the right times, reeled off wins in eight consecutive games and then held firm to finish off the upset, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. “Impossible until possible, I guess,” Dimitrov said in a television interview. But if this is not the U.S. Open, it is not truly the Indian Wells tournament, either. That event, usually held annually in March, has grown in size and stature under its free-spending owner, Larry Ellison, becoming the most popular and prestigious tour stop after the four Grand Slam tournaments and the year-end tour finals. In 2019, 475,000 spectators came to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden during the event’s nearly two-week run, filling up the stadium courts and the upscale restaurants that overlook them. In recent years, the tournament generated an estimated annual economic impact of more than $400 million in the greater Palm Springs region. But in March 2020, it became the first major international sports event to be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. The decision, which was ultimately Ellison’s call, turned out to be the correct one. Though there were skeptics when the move was announced just before the qualifying tournament, other leagues and events soon followed as the scope and threat of the pandemic became clearer. “We thought they were nuts at first for calling it off,” Krystal Meier, a longtime fan and tournament attendee from Long Beach, said last week. “How could anybody have known what was coming?” This year, the BNP Paribas Open was moved from March to October, and though the prize money is roughly the same as in 2019, the star power and atmosphere are not. According to tournament officials, attendance is on track to be about half of what it was in 2019. The change in date is certainly a factor. Many seasonal residents have yet to arrive in the area, and regulars who made March attendance a tradition were clearly not ready to embrace October. The decision to require vaccination of all spectators may have limited the overall numbers while reassuring some fans. “When we saw everybody was going to be vaccinated, we definitely felt better about coming,” Meier said. But there is still underlying concern about attending mass events and traveling too far from home. More than 87% of the spectators in 2019 were from outside the Palm Springs area. Another reason for the smaller crowds is surely the changing of the guard in tennis. The tournament is missing the two biggest stars in the women’s game (Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka) and the three biggest stars in the men’s game (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic). Federer, 40, and Nadal, 35, are recovering from injuries, and they announced the end of their 2020 seasons in August. Djokovic, 34, is resting and recovering after losing to Medvedev in straight sets in last month’s U.S. Open final, a defeat that stopped him just short of becoming the first man to complete a Grand Slam in singles since Rod Laver in 1969. Dominic Thiem, who won the men’s title here in 2019, is also out with an injury. He, like the other high-profile absentees, still has a presence in Indian Wells. In a nod to the obvious, tournament organizers have put life-size images of all of them on a wall behind Stadium 2 featuring the words “We miss you.” It has become a magnet during the event, with fans posing for photographs next to the photographs. Posing next to flesh-and-blood players has been much trickier because of the pandemic restrictions, which have meant a ban on official autograph sessions. (Informal signings have still taken place.) None of the women’s singles quarterfinalists in New York reached the quarterfinals here, with surprise Open champion Emma Raducanu losing in her opening match to the 100th-ranked Aliaksandra Sasnovich. The far more experienced Medvedev fared better with his bedeviling blend of offense and defense, and he fared very well against Dimitrov until he took a 4-1 lead in the second set. But Dimitrov, the Bulgarian who is seeded No. 23, was opportunistic enough to change the momentum. At 30, he has yet to reach the heights that have seemed his destiny, given his stylish, all-court game. But he remains a dangerous opponent, and after showing flashes of fine form at the San Diego Open the week before Indian Wells, he lifted his game Wednesday as Medvedev’s dropped. “He definitely flipped the switch,” Medvedev said. “It’s not that I started missing everything and like really playing bad. I still maintained some level, if we can call it like this. In so many matches, it would be enough to finish the match.” Once in the rallies, Dimitrov almost exclusively sliced his single-handed backhand down the stretch and waited — and waited — to take big risks with his forehand. Most of them paid off in the final set, and he took a 5-1 lead as Medvedev expressed displeasure in rare fashion by breaking a racket between his first and second serves (he double faulted) and going on to lose his serve for the sixth time. “That shows how slow this court is, and the conditions are more like clay, I would say, which I don’t like,” Medvedev said. Dimitrov soon lost his serve, too, as he tried to finish off the upset at 5-1, but he did not falter at 5-3, holding at love and thrusting both arms into the air. Though the sky above him was typical Indian Wells — clear and azure — what was happening back on earth remained anything but business as usual.

US Open stars fall at Indian Wells, which struggles to draw a crowd

U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev reached the fourth round at Indian Wells with a 6-2 7-6(1) victory over Serbia`s Filip Krajinovic on Monday and said he was pleased to reach 50 wins this season.

The top-seeded Russian took to the court following a long rain delay and wasted no time in showing the kind of form that earned him a maiden Grand Slam title last month, going 4-0 up before taking the opening set.

Krajinovic fought back in the second set to lead 4-2 before Medvedev found his groove to force a tie-break, which he dominated to claim the win.

"I feel like I`m trying to play a little bit less ... just playing the biggest tournaments, or the ones that will get me back into shape," Medvedev said.

"So I`m really happy that I managed to get 50 (wins). It means I was doing pretty good in a lot of them.

"Filip is a really tough opponent. He`s always playing top tennis, tough matches, especially that second set. There were a lot of ups and downs, but a great level from both."

Up next for world number two Medvedev is Grigor Dimitrov, who beat American Reilly Opelka 6-3 6-4 earlier in the day. 
Medvedev`s compatriot Andrey Rublev lost 6-4 3-6 7-5 to American Tommy Paul.

U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev reached the fourth round at Indian Wells with a 6-2 7-6(1) victory over Serbia`s Filip Krajinovic on Monday and said he was pleased to reach 50 wins this season.

U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev reached the fourth round at Indian Wells with a 6-2 7-6(1) victory over Serbia`s Filip Krajinovic on Monday and said he was pleased to reach 50 wins this season. The top-seeded Russian took to the court following a long rain delay and wasted no time in showing the kind of form that earned him a maiden Grand Slam title last month, going 4-0 up before taking the opening set. Krajinovic fought back in the second set to lead 4-2 before Medvedev found his groove to force a tie-break, which he dominated to claim the win. "I feel like I`m trying to play a little bit less ... just playing the biggest tournaments, or the ones that will get me back into shape," Medvedev said. "So I`m really happy that I managed to get 50 (wins). It means I was doing pretty good in a lot of them. "Filip is a really tough opponent. He`s always playing top tennis, tough matches, especially that second set. There were a lot of ups and downs, but a great level from both." Up next for world number two Medvedev is Grigor Dimitrov, who beat American Reilly Opelka 6-3 6-4 earlier in the day. Medvedev`s compatriot Andrey Rublev lost 6-4 3-6 7-5 to American Tommy Paul.

Daniil Medvedev overcomes Filip Krajinovic to set up Dimitrov clash at Indian Wells

World no. 2 Daniil Medvedev won his first-ever Grand Slam trophy on Monday after beating Serbian ace and World No. 1, Novak Djokovic. The Russian player handed a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 defeat to the Serb ending the match within two hours and sixteen minutes in the US Open men’s singles final at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

The Russian tennis star did a unique celebration after winning the American Grand Slam. He revealed that he was imitating the “dead fish celebration" in a FIFA game.

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As he confirmed in his <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USOpen</a> speech, Medvedev's celebration was "L2 + Left," a.k.a. the code for the FIFA brick fall goal celebration.<a href="https://t.co/A5ttYOY2jx">pic.twitter.com/A5ttYOY2jx</a>
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/1437188895100260353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He added that the celebration hurt him due to the hard surface at the US Open. “It’s not easy to make it on hard courts," Medvedev said. “I got hurt a little bit, but I’m happy I made it legendary for myself."

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Post-match celebration inspired by <a href="https://twitter.com/EASPORTSFIFA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EASPORTSFIFA</a>?!<a href="https://twitter.com/DaniilMedwed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DaniilMedwed</a> YOU are a legend. <a href="https://t.co/oMoI0Dgjnk">pic.twitter.com/oMoI0Dgjnk</a>
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) <a href="https://twitter.com/usopen/status/1437189744245362692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Novak Djokovic fell short of his bid for a calendar slam. He also missed a chance to overtake tennis greats like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to become the record 21-time Grand Slam Champion. Novak won Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon this year.&nbsp;

"It's a tough one to swallow, this loss, considering everything that was on the line," said Djokovic.

"I was glad it was over because the build-up for this tournament and everything that mentally, emotionally I had to deal with throughout the tournament in the last couple of weeks was just a lot.

"It was a lot to handle."

Medvedev had an emotional post-match presentation ceremony and he called the Serbian ace 'the greatest player ever'.

"First of all, I want to say sorry for the fans and Novak because we all know what he was going for today. I just want to say that you have been brilliant this year and throughout your career," Medvedev said.

"I have never said this to anybody. But I will say it, right now. For me, you are the greatest tennis player in history".

World no. 2 Daniil Medvedev won his first-ever Grand Slam trophy on Monday after beating Serbian ace and World No. 1, Novak Djokovic. The Russian player handed a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 defeat to the Serb ending the match within two hours and sixteen minutes in the US Open men’s singles final at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

World no. 2 Daniil Medvedev won his first-ever Grand Slam trophy on Monday after beating Serbian ace and World No. 1, Novak Djokovic. The Russian player handed a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 defeat to the Serb ending the match within two hours and sixteen minutes in the US Open men’s singles final at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. The Russian tennis star did a unique celebration after winning the American Grand Slam. He revealed that he was imitating the “dead fish celebration" in a FIFA game. As he confirmed in his #USOpen speech, Medvedev's celebration was "L2 + Left," a.k.a. the code for the FIFA brick fall goal celebration.pic.twitter.com/A5ttYOY2jx — Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) September 12, 2021 × He added that the celebration hurt him due to the hard surface at the US Open. “It’s not easy to make it on hard courts," Medvedev said. “I got hurt a little bit, but I’m happy I made it legendary for myself." Post-match celebration inspired by @EASPORTSFIFA?!@DaniilMedwed YOU are a legend. pic.twitter.com/oMoI0Dgjnk — US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2021 × Novak Djokovic fell short of his bid for a calendar slam. He also missed a chance to overtake tennis greats like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to become the record 21-time Grand Slam Champion. Novak won Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon this year. "It's a tough one to swallow, this loss, considering everything that was on the line," said Djokovic. "I was glad it was over because the build-up for this tournament and everything that mentally, emotionally I had to deal with throughout the tournament in the last couple of weeks was just a lot. "It was a lot to handle." Medvedev had an emotional post-match presentation ceremony and he called the Serbian ace 'the greatest player ever'. "First of all, I want to say sorry for the fans and Novak because we all know what he was going for today. I just want to say that you have been brilliant this year and throughout your career," Medvedev said. "I have never said this to anybody. But I will say it, right now. For me, you are the greatest tennis player in history".

Daniil Medvedev explains his unique celebration at US Open final - WATCH

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic lost the US Open final to Daniil Medvedev, surprising many across the tennis fraternity. With the kind of form Djokovic has enjoyed in the calendar year, he was expected to win the title and also achieve the first calendar-year Grand Slam in men's tennis since 1969, however, Medvedev denied him the chance of creating history.&nbsp;

Djokovic went down to Medvedev in straight sets, losing 4-6, 4-6, 4-6, as the Serbian missed out on his 4th US Open title and remains at par with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal with 20 Grand Slam titles each. During the course of the match, the 34-year-old's emotions were on display and he even smashed his racquet during his second set loss to the Russian player.

Here's the video of Djokovic who lost his cool on the court and smashed his racquet during the US Open 2021 final -

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Djokovic was noticeably frustrated during the second set at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/K2vh7mC3Lp">pic.twitter.com/K2vh7mC3Lp</a>
— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/1437165033742426112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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For the unversed, this hasn't been the first time when Djokovic has displayed his frustration in an aggressive manner on the court.

Meanwhile, Medvedev also became the first Russian male player to win a Grand Slam title after Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin. After the match, the two stars shared their mutual respect and admiration.&nbsp;

Medvedev said at the post-match presentation, "Sorry for your fans and Novak because we all know what he was going for. What you have accomplished in your career, for me, you are the greatest tennis player in history," he further added.

Djokovic, on the other hand,&nbsp;congratulated the 25-year-old and said, "If there's anyone that deserves a Grand Slam title right now, it's you."

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic lost the US Open final to Daniil Medvedev, surprising many across the tennis fraternity. With the kind of form Djokovic has enjoyed in the calendar year, he was expected to win the title and also achieve the first calendar-year Grand Slam in men's tennis since 1969, however, Medvedev denied him the chance of creating history.

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic lost the US Open final to Daniil Medvedev, surprising many across the tennis fraternity. With the kind of form Djokovic has enjoyed in the calendar year, he was expected to win the title and also achieve the first calendar-year Grand Slam in men's tennis since 1969, however, Medvedev denied him the chance of creating history. Djokovic went down to Medvedev in straight sets, losing 4-6, 4-6, 4-6, as the Serbian missed out on his 4th US Open title and remains at par with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal with 20 Grand Slam titles each. During the course of the match, the 34-year-old's emotions were on display and he even smashed his racquet during his second set loss to the Russian player. Here's the video of Djokovic who lost his cool on the court and smashed his racquet during the US Open 2021 final - Djokovic was noticeably frustrated during the second set at the #USOpen pic.twitter.com/K2vh7mC3Lp — ESPN (@espn) September 12, 2021 × For the unversed, this hasn't been the first time when Djokovic has displayed his frustration in an aggressive manner on the court. Meanwhile, Medvedev also became the first Russian male player to win a Grand Slam title after Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin. After the match, the two stars shared their mutual respect and admiration. Medvedev said at the post-match presentation, "Sorry for your fans and Novak because we all know what he was going for. What you have accomplished in your career, for me, you are the greatest tennis player in history," he further added. Djokovic, on the other hand, congratulated the 25-year-old and said, "If there's anyone that deserves a Grand Slam title right now, it's you."

Novak Djokovic left fuming, smashes racquet in disdain during US Open final loss to Daniil Medvedev - Watch

World no. 2 Daniil Medvedev won his first-ever Grand Slam trophy on Monday after beating Serbian ace and World No. 1, Novak Djokovic. The Russian player handed a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 defeat to the Serb ending the match within two hours and sixteen minutes in the US Open men’s singles final at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic fell short of his bid for a calendar slam. He also missed a chance to overtake tennis greats like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to become the record 21-time Grand Slam Champion. Novak won Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon this year.&nbsp;

"It's a tough one to swallow, this loss, considering everything that was on the line," said Djokovic.

"I was glad it was over because the build-up for this tournament and everything that mentally, emotionally I had to deal with throughout the tournament in the last couple of weeks was just a lot.

"It was a lot to handle."

Medvedev had an emotional post-match presentation ceremony and he called the Serbian ace 'the greatest player ever'.

"First of all, I want to say sorry for the fans and Novak because we all know what he was going for today. I just want to say that you have been brilliant this year and throughout your career," Medvedev said.

"I have never said this to anybody. But I will say it, right now. For me, you are the greatest tennis player in history".

World no. 2 Daniil Medvedev won his first-ever Grand Slam trophy on Monday after beating Serbian ace and World No. 1, Novak Djokovic. The Russian player handed a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 defeat to the Serb ending the match within two hours and sixteen minutes in the US Open men’s singles final at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic fell short of his bid for a calendar slam. He also missed a chance to overtake tennis greats like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to become the record 21-time Grand Slam Champion. Novak won Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon this year. "It's a tough one to swallow, this loss, considering everything that was on the line," said Djokovic. "I was glad it was over because the build-up for this tournament and everything that mentally, emotionally I had to deal with throughout the tournament in the last couple of weeks was just a lot. "It was a lot to handle." Medvedev had an emotional post-match presentation ceremony and he called the Serbian ace 'the greatest player ever'. "First of all, I want to say sorry for the fans and Novak because we all know what he was going for today. I just want to say that you have been brilliant this year and throughout your career," Medvedev said. "I have never said this to anybody. But I will say it, right now. For me, you are the greatest tennis player in history".

Daniil Medvedev ends Novak Djokovic's bid for calender Grand Slam after winning US Open

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic missed a couple of major milestones as he was defeated in the finals of the American Grand Slam, however, he earned the respect of his opponent and US Open 2021 winner Daniil Medvedev.&nbsp;

Medvedev beat the Serbian star 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to win his maiden Grand Slam title. During the post-match presentation, Medvedev paid tribute to World no. 1 by calling him the greatest ever.&nbsp;

He started his presentation by apologising to everyone in the audience who were cheering for Djokovic to win a calendar Grand Slam.&nbsp;

"First of all, I want to say sorry for the fans and Novak because we all know what he was going for today. I just want to say that you have been brilliant this year and throughout your career," Medvedev said.

"I have never said this to anybody. But I will say it, right now. For me, you are the greatest tennis player in history," he added.&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic fell short of his bid for a calendar slam. He also missed a chance to overtake tennis greats like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to become the record 21-time Grand Slam Champion. Novak won Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon this year.&nbsp;

"It's a tough one to swallow, this loss, considering everything that was on the line," said Djokovic.

"I was glad it was over because the build-up for this tournament and everything that mentally, emotionally I had to deal with throughout the tournament in the last couple of weeks was just a lot.

"It was a lot to handle."

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic missed a couple of major milestones as he was defeated in the finals of the American Grand Slam, however, he earned the respect of his opponent and US Open 2021 winner Daniil Medvedev.

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic missed a couple of major milestones as he was defeated in the finals of the American Grand Slam, however, he earned the respect of his opponent and US Open 2021 winner Daniil Medvedev. Medvedev beat the Serbian star 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to win his maiden Grand Slam title. During the post-match presentation, Medvedev paid tribute to World no. 1 by calling him the greatest ever. He started his presentation by apologising to everyone in the audience who were cheering for Djokovic to win a calendar Grand Slam. "First of all, I want to say sorry for the fans and Novak because we all know what he was going for today. I just want to say that you have been brilliant this year and throughout your career," Medvedev said. "I have never said this to anybody. But I will say it, right now. For me, you are the greatest tennis player in history," he added. Novak Djokovic fell short of his bid for a calendar slam. He also missed a chance to overtake tennis greats like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to become the record 21-time Grand Slam Champion. Novak won Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon this year. "It's a tough one to swallow, this loss, considering everything that was on the line," said Djokovic. "I was glad it was over because the build-up for this tournament and everything that mentally, emotionally I had to deal with throughout the tournament in the last couple of weeks was just a lot. "It was a lot to handle."

'For me, you are the greatest tennis player in history': Daniil Medvedev to Novak Djokovic

When Daniil Medvedev reached his first US&nbsp;Open final in 2019, he lost a gruelling five-set match against Rafael Nadal after what he called a "crazy" tournament, including a feud with the New York crowd. 
 
But this time, he said on Friday after his straight-set demolition of Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semifinals, everything is different - starting with his desire to win. 
 
"Let`s be honest, I was already happy being in the final," the Russian said of the 2019 tournament. "I was not feeling like it`s a must to win." 
 
The world number two has carved a comfortable path through the draw to reach his third major final, dropping only a single set in six matches and wrapping up his win over Auger-Aliassime in a brisk two hours and four minutes. 
 
His 2019 U.S. Open was far more eventful. He said he endured severe cramping in his second-round match and suffered a tear in his quadriceps during a win over Stan Wawrinka. 
 
More memorably, he earned the enmity of the fans during a third-round match, when he angrily snatched a towel from a ballperson and then showed the crowd his middle finger. 
 
But his subsequent apology, and his riveting performance in the final after dropping the first two sets, turned him from villain to hero. 
 
"This year I didn`t have the stories, and that`s a good thing," Medvedev said. 
 
The 25-year-old is still searching for his first major title after losing to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final earlier this year. 
 
"The more you lose something, the more you want to win it, the more you want to gain it and take it," he said. "I lost two finals. I want to win the third one."

When Daniil Medvedev reached his first US Open final in 2019, he lost a gruelling five-set match against Rafael Nadal after what he called a "crazy" tournament, including a feud with the New York crowd.

When Daniil Medvedev reached his first US Open final in 2019, he lost a gruelling five-set match against Rafael Nadal after what he called a "crazy" tournament, including a feud with the New York crowd. But this time, he said on Friday after his straight-set demolition of Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semifinals, everything is different - starting with his desire to win. "Let`s be honest, I was already happy being in the final," the Russian said of the 2019 tournament. "I was not feeling like it`s a must to win." The world number two has carved a comfortable path through the draw to reach his third major final, dropping only a single set in six matches and wrapping up his win over Auger-Aliassime in a brisk two hours and four minutes. His 2019 U.S. Open was far more eventful. He said he endured severe cramping in his second-round match and suffered a tear in his quadriceps during a win over Stan Wawrinka. More memorably, he earned the enmity of the fans during a third-round match, when he angrily snatched a towel from a ballperson and then showed the crowd his middle finger. But his subsequent apology, and his riveting performance in the final after dropping the first two sets, turned him from villain to hero. "This year I didn`t have the stories, and that`s a good thing," Medvedev said. The 25-year-old is still searching for his first major title after losing to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final earlier this year. "The more you lose something, the more you want to win it, the more you want to gain it and take it," he said. "I lost two finals. I want to win the third one."

After 'crazy' 2019 US Open, Medvedev expects different story in 2021 final

Daniil Medvedev dominated Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4 7-5 6-2 on Friday, reaching the U.S. Open final courtesy of a dozen aces in just a little over two hours. 
 
The 2019 runner-up looked rock-solid at the start, firing off seven aces and never facing a breakpoint in the first set, where he had just five unforced errors and broke Auger-Aliassime`s serve in straight points in the seventh game. 
 
Down a break in the next set, Medvedev looked like he might be in trouble but Auger-Aliassime twice failed to clinch on set point in the ninth game and Medvedev broke his serve. 
 
A double fault from Auger-Aliassime in the 11th game – one of 10 across the entire match – helped Medvedev to another break before the Russian ran away with the momentum into the third set, where he dropped just one first-serve point. 
 
The six foot, six inch Russian displayed excellent court coverage, firing off 37 winners compared to 17 from Auger-Aliassime across the entire match, with 25 unforced errors. 
 
"Second set defined the match because I was really close to lose it," Medvedev told reporters after his win. "It turned the match around. I think he started doubting." 
 
It was the first Grand Slam semi-final for 21-year-old Auger-Aliassime, who reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals earlier this year and has been hailed among the sport`s brightest young stars. 
 
"Against a player like that, you don`t really have room for mistakes, room for losing your focus, which I did at the end of the second," Auger-Aliassime told reporters. 
 
Medvedev, the world number two, continues his hunt for a maiden major title after losing to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final this year. 
 
After picking up his fourth Masters 1000 title in Toronto last month, he has dropped just one set through six rounds at Flushing Meadows and is looking to lift the trophy for the first time after losing in five sets to Rafa Nadal two years ago. 
 
"Last time was a crazy match," said Medvedev. "If it`s going to be the same match on Sunday, I just hope I can win this time." 
 
He awaits the winner of the other semifinal between Djokovic, who is gunning for his record 21st Grand Slam title, and German Alexander Zverev.

Daniil Medvedev dominated Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4 7-5 6-2 on Friday, reaching the U.S. Open final courtesy of a dozen aces in just a little over two hours.

Daniil Medvedev dominated Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4 7-5 6-2 on Friday, reaching the U.S. Open final courtesy of a dozen aces in just a little over two hours. The 2019 runner-up looked rock-solid at the start, firing off seven aces and never facing a breakpoint in the first set, where he had just five unforced errors and broke Auger-Aliassime`s serve in straight points in the seventh game. Down a break in the next set, Medvedev looked like he might be in trouble but Auger-Aliassime twice failed to clinch on set point in the ninth game and Medvedev broke his serve. A double fault from Auger-Aliassime in the 11th game – one of 10 across the entire match – helped Medvedev to another break before the Russian ran away with the momentum into the third set, where he dropped just one first-serve point. The six foot, six inch Russian displayed excellent court coverage, firing off 37 winners compared to 17 from Auger-Aliassime across the entire match, with 25 unforced errors. "Second set defined the match because I was really close to lose it," Medvedev told reporters after his win. "It turned the match around. I think he started doubting." It was the first Grand Slam semi-final for 21-year-old Auger-Aliassime, who reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals earlier this year and has been hailed among the sport`s brightest young stars. "Against a player like that, you don`t really have room for mistakes, room for losing your focus, which I did at the end of the second," Auger-Aliassime told reporters. Medvedev, the world number two, continues his hunt for a maiden major title after losing to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final this year. After picking up his fourth Masters 1000 title in Toronto last month, he has dropped just one set through six rounds at Flushing Meadows and is looking to lift the trophy for the first time after losing in five sets to Rafa Nadal two years ago. "Last time was a crazy match," said Medvedev. "If it`s going to be the same match on Sunday, I just hope I can win this time." He awaits the winner of the other semifinal between Djokovic, who is gunning for his record 21st Grand Slam title, and German Alexander Zverev.

Daniil Medvedev powers his way through to US Open final

Russian ace Daniil Medvedev stormed into the final of the American Grand Slam after beating Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday.&nbsp;

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The second-ranked Medvedev thrashed 2nd seed Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 to get into the third Grand Slam final that will be against Djokovic.&nbsp;

“I don’t think I played my best today but I’m really happy to be in the final,” Medvedev said.

Djokovic will be eyeing record 21 Grand Slams surpassing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's total tally. He is also looking to complete the first men’s singles calendar-year Grand Slam since Rod Laver in 1969.

The Serbian World No.1 will be looking to win the fourth US Open Grand Slam.&nbsp;

“We all know what Novak is chasing,” Medvedev said. “The only thing I can do is try to play my best.” Medvedev, who lost to Djokovic in this year’s Australian Open final, trails Zverev 5-4 in their all-time rivalry and trails Djokovic 5-3.

“If it’s (Djokovic), after the Australian Open, I’m going to try to leave my balls on the court to beat him,” Medvedev said.

Djokovic seeks only the fourth men’s singles Slam in history after Don Budge in 1938 and Laver in 1962 and 1969.

(Inputs from Agency)

Russian ace Daniil Medvedev stormed into the final of the American Grand Slam after beating Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday. ALSO READ: 'They are tired': Dinesh Karthik reveals conversation with Indian cricketers The second-ranked Medvedev thrashed 2nd seed Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 to get into the third Grand Slam final that will be against Djokovic.

Russian ace Daniil Medvedev stormed into the final of the American Grand Slam after beating Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday. ALSO READ: 'They are tired': Dinesh Karthik reveals conversation with Indian cricketers The second-ranked Medvedev thrashed 2nd seed Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 to get into the third Grand Slam final that will be against Djokovic. “I don’t think I played my best today but I’m really happy to be in the final,” Medvedev said. Djokovic will be eyeing record 21 Grand Slams surpassing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's total tally. He is also looking to complete the first men’s singles calendar-year Grand Slam since Rod Laver in 1969. The Serbian World No.1 will be looking to win the fourth US Open Grand Slam. “We all know what Novak is chasing,” Medvedev said. “The only thing I can do is try to play my best.” Medvedev, who lost to Djokovic in this year’s Australian Open final, trails Zverev 5-4 in their all-time rivalry and trails Djokovic 5-3. “If it’s (Djokovic), after the Australian Open, I’m going to try to leave my balls on the court to beat him,” Medvedev said. Djokovic seeks only the fourth men’s singles Slam in history after Don Budge in 1938 and Laver in 1962 and 1969. (Inputs from Agency)

US Open: 'I’m going to try to leave my balls on court to beat Djokovic', says Medvedev

World number two Daniil Medvedev dropped his first set at this year`s U.S. Open but eventually overcame Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3 6-0 4-6 7-5 to reach his third straight semi-final at Flushing Meadows on Tuesday. 
 
Van de Zandschulp had enjoyed a remarkable run, taking down 11th seed Diego Schwartzman to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final, where he fired off 20 forehand winners and was the first player here to take Medvedev past the two-hour mark. 
 
The Dutch qualifier outlasted the Russian in a 20-shot rally and then converted on break point in the fifth game of the third set before taking it on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the first sign of weakness Medvedev had shown since arriving in New York. 
 
But the 2019 runner-up, who fired down 13 aces in the match, came roaring back in the fourth set, winning all but two of his first-serve points and never facing a break point. 
 
Van de Zandschulp fended off match point in the 10th game, holding his serve to wild applause from a rowdy New York crowd, but Medvedev responded with a quick hold and a break, helped by a double fault from the Dutchman. 
 
The match was the first real challenge of the tournament for Medvedev, who looked on track to flatten yet another competitor at the start after getting up two breaks through the first five games. 
 
The Australian Open runner-up never faced a break point in the second set, which he wrapped up in a brisk 22 minutes, but struggled in the third set, making 13 unforced errors, and van de Zandschulp pounced. 
 
"First two sets were kind of under control. He was missing some balls, some important points," said Medvedev. "Then third and fourth set was really tough. He played top level, served really big. 
 
"Was breaking the rhythm a little bit, so was really tough set. I`m really happy that in the fourth I managed to, first of all, hold my serve really easily and managed to break him in the end where I had few opportunities to do before also." 
 
Medvedev, who lost in the semi-finals a year ago to eventual winner Dominic Thiem, is one of the main candidates aiming to thwart world number one Novak Djokovic`s bid for a calendar Grand Slam - though he is not thinking about facing the 20-times major winner just yet. 
 
"I don`t think about him, because as we saw, anybody can beat anybody. If he`s in the final, and if I`m there, I`m happy," said Medvedev. He`s also happy, I guess."

World number two Daniil Medvedev dropped his first set at this year`s U.S. Open but eventually overcame Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3 6-0 4-6 7-5 to reach his third straight semi-final at Flushing Meadows on Tuesday.

World number two Daniil Medvedev dropped his first set at this year`s U.S. Open but eventually overcame Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3 6-0 4-6 7-5 to reach his third straight semi-final at Flushing Meadows on Tuesday. Van de Zandschulp had enjoyed a remarkable run, taking down 11th seed Diego Schwartzman to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final, where he fired off 20 forehand winners and was the first player here to take Medvedev past the two-hour mark. The Dutch qualifier outlasted the Russian in a 20-shot rally and then converted on break point in the fifth game of the third set before taking it on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the first sign of weakness Medvedev had shown since arriving in New York. But the 2019 runner-up, who fired down 13 aces in the match, came roaring back in the fourth set, winning all but two of his first-serve points and never facing a break point. Van de Zandschulp fended off match point in the 10th game, holding his serve to wild applause from a rowdy New York crowd, but Medvedev responded with a quick hold and a break, helped by a double fault from the Dutchman. The match was the first real challenge of the tournament for Medvedev, who looked on track to flatten yet another competitor at the start after getting up two breaks through the first five games. The Australian Open runner-up never faced a break point in the second set, which he wrapped up in a brisk 22 minutes, but struggled in the third set, making 13 unforced errors, and van de Zandschulp pounced. "First two sets were kind of under control. He was missing some balls, some important points," said Medvedev. "Then third and fourth set was really tough. He played top level, served really big. "Was breaking the rhythm a little bit, so was really tough set. I`m really happy that in the fourth I managed to, first of all, hold my serve really easily and managed to break him in the end where I had few opportunities to do before also." Medvedev, who lost in the semi-finals a year ago to eventual winner Dominic Thiem, is one of the main candidates aiming to thwart world number one Novak Djokovic`s bid for a calendar Grand Slam - though he is not thinking about facing the 20-times major winner just yet. "I don`t think about him, because as we saw, anybody can beat anybody. If he`s in the final, and if I`m there, I`m happy," said Medvedev. He`s also happy, I guess."

Daniil Medvedev reaches third straight U.S. Open semi-final

Second seed Daniil Medvedev resumes his bid for his first Grand Slam title against Britain`s Dan Evans at the U.S. Open on Sunday, while Aryna Sabalenka faces her good friend and doubles partner Elise Mertens in the fourth round. 
 
Russia`s Medvedev, a losing finalist at Flushing Meadows in 2019, is yet to drop a set in New York so far and faces world number 27 Evans in the second match of the day on Arthur Ashe Stadium in the first career meeting between the two. 
 
"I think it`s tough to describe (Evans) with one word, but (he`s) definitely very tricky," Medvedev said. "I would think (he`s) very smart because he doesn`t have one shot that`s a weapon and yet he`s been a top player for many years already." 
 
Medvedev has barely broken a sweat in the opening rounds, racing into the last 16 with three consecutive straight sets wins, while Evans has had to battle hard, playing two four-setters and a gruelling five-setter against Australia`s Alexei Popyrin in his last match. 
 
"I think my game is in a good place," Evans said, adding that he was trying to keep a positive mindset. 
 
"(Medvedev`s) been playing some unbelievable tennis this year, but if I go on the court and think I`ve got no chance and there`s no pressure on me... you`re not ready for that. 
 
"You`ve got to go in believing you can win." 
 
Sabalenka, the women`s second seed, is aiming to reach her first singles quarter-final in New York, but must first get past her good friend Mertens at the Louis Armstrong Stadium. 
 
The Belarusian won the 2019 doubles title at Flushing Meadows with Mertens and the pair also won the doubles crown at this year`s Australian Open before Sabalenka decided to focus more on her singles career. 
 
French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova takes on twice Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza in the evening session on Arthur Ashe, while Germany`s Angelique Kerber faces Naomi Osaka`s third-round conqueror Leylah Fernandez on Louis Armstrong. 
 
Romania`s Simona Halep kicks things off on Arthur Ashe, taking on fifth seed Elina Svitolina, while Spanish teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz will look to extend his dream debut at Flushing Meadows into the quarter-finals when he faces qualifier Peter Gojowczyk of Germany. 
&nbsp;

Second seed Daniil Medvedev resumes his bid for his first Grand Slam title against Britain`s Dan Evans at the U.S. Open on Sunday, while Aryna Sabalenka faces her good friend and doubles partner Elise Mertens in the fourth round.

Second seed Daniil Medvedev resumes his bid for his first Grand Slam title against Britain`s Dan Evans at the U.S. Open on Sunday, while Aryna Sabalenka faces her good friend and doubles partner Elise Mertens in the fourth round. Russia`s Medvedev, a losing finalist at Flushing Meadows in 2019, is yet to drop a set in New York so far and faces world number 27 Evans in the second match of the day on Arthur Ashe Stadium in the first career meeting between the two. "I think it`s tough to describe (Evans) with one word, but (he`s) definitely very tricky," Medvedev said. "I would think (he`s) very smart because he doesn`t have one shot that`s a weapon and yet he`s been a top player for many years already." Medvedev has barely broken a sweat in the opening rounds, racing into the last 16 with three consecutive straight sets wins, while Evans has had to battle hard, playing two four-setters and a gruelling five-setter against Australia`s Alexei Popyrin in his last match. "I think my game is in a good place," Evans said, adding that he was trying to keep a positive mindset. "(Medvedev`s) been playing some unbelievable tennis this year, but if I go on the court and think I`ve got no chance and there`s no pressure on me... you`re not ready for that. "You`ve got to go in believing you can win." Sabalenka, the women`s second seed, is aiming to reach her first singles quarter-final in New York, but must first get past her good friend Mertens at the Louis Armstrong Stadium. The Belarusian won the 2019 doubles title at Flushing Meadows with Mertens and the pair also won the doubles crown at this year`s Australian Open before Sabalenka decided to focus more on her singles career. French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova takes on twice Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza in the evening session on Arthur Ashe, while Germany`s Angelique Kerber faces Naomi Osaka`s third-round conqueror Leylah Fernandez on Louis Armstrong. Romania`s Simona Halep kicks things off on Arthur Ashe, taking on fifth seed Elina Svitolina, while Spanish teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz will look to extend his dream debut at Flushing Meadows into the quarter-finals when he faces qualifier Peter Gojowczyk of Germany.

US Open: Medvedev resumes hunt for maiden major against 'tricky' Evans

A collision with an on-court camera spelled disaster for world number two Daniil Medvedev, who lost 6-2 3-6 3-6 to fellow Russian Andrey Rublev in their Cincinnati semi-final. 
 
The compatriots were tied 1-1 in the second set when Medvedev crashed into an on-court camera and knocked it to the ground while chasing the ball at the baseline. Medvedev offered his hand to the camera operator as the chair umpire walked over to make sure both were okay. 
 
Medvedev then kicked the camera, telling the umpire, "Take it away. I almost broke my hand," and insisting the camera be moved. 
 
Tournament organisers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Medvedev, who won the tournament in 2019, did not meet with the media on Saturday. 
 
Medvedev had once appeared untouchable, winning every set en route to a semi-final in which he was the favourite after triumphing in all four of his previous meetings with Rublev. 
 
"It will be better if we have more space on court that allowed us to run everywhere we can, because sometimes (what)happens also to me that I want to hit and I cannot hit because the referee is standing there," Rublev told reporters.

A collision with an on-court camera spelled disaster for world number two Daniil Medvedev, who lost 6-2 3-6 3-6 to fellow Russian Andrey Rublev in their Cincinnati semi-final.

A collision with an on-court camera spelled disaster for world number two Daniil Medvedev, who lost 6-2 3-6 3-6 to fellow Russian Andrey Rublev in their Cincinnati semi-final. The compatriots were tied 1-1 in the second set when Medvedev crashed into an on-court camera and knocked it to the ground while chasing the ball at the baseline. Medvedev offered his hand to the camera operator as the chair umpire walked over to make sure both were okay. Medvedev then kicked the camera, telling the umpire, "Take it away. I almost broke my hand," and insisting the camera be moved. Tournament organisers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Medvedev, who won the tournament in 2019, did not meet with the media on Saturday. Medvedev had once appeared untouchable, winning every set en route to a semi-final in which he was the favourite after triumphing in all four of his previous meetings with Rublev. "It will be better if we have more space on court that allowed us to run everywhere we can, because sometimes (what)happens also to me that I want to hit and I cannot hit because the referee is standing there," Rublev told reporters.

'I almost broke my hand': Daniil Medvedev collides with camera in shock loss

With his game in fine form and a slew of past champions sidelined with injuries, Daniil Medvedev said he is feeling confident as he prepares to try to win his first major title at the upcoming US&nbsp;Open.

The world number two, who fell to Rafa Nadal in an epic five set final at Flushing Meadows in 2019, is guaranteed not to suffer the same fate this year after the Spaniard said he would sit out to focus on healing a nagging foot injury.

In addition to Nadal, past champions Roger Federer, Stan Wawrinka, Dominic Thiem and Juan Martin Del Potro will also be missing in action in New York.

"I'm going to try to do my best. If I manage to keep the level I'm playing at right now, I have good chances to go far," Medvedev told reporters after crushing Pablo Carreno Busta to reach the semi-finals of the Western &amp; Southern Open on Friday.

But the big-serving Russian said he knows anything can happen on the sport's biggest stages.

"One day you might feel not so good," said Medvedev, who complained about the stifling heat at the Tokyo Olympics before falling in the quarter-finals.

"You're going to get an opponent who is going to play the best match of his life."

And although those other titans of the game are out of the picture, the most dangerous player in all of tennis, world number one Novak Djokovic, will be especially motivated.

The Serb heads to New York looking to complete a calendar Grand Slam and earn a record-breaking 21st men's Grand Slam title.

"Definitely Novak is going to be the highest contender," Medvedev said.

"He's winning almost all the Grand Slams right now. He won already 20. He has experience. He has a level. I'm not gonna lie.

"So he's the man under pressure, but I think he likes it. Some guys under pressure can crack. That's not Novak. So he's definitely the main contender," he said, noting that if they do meet it will be in the final since they will be on opposite sides of the draw.

"When I play good in New York, I can get good results, and of course, yeah, I want to win it," he said.

The U.S. Open runs from Aug. 30 to Sept. 12.

With his game in fine form and a slew of past champions sidelined with injuries, Daniil Medvedev said he is feeling confident as he prepares to try to win his first major title at the upcoming US Open.

With his game in fine form and a slew of past champions sidelined with injuries, Daniil Medvedev said he is feeling confident as he prepares to try to win his first major title at the upcoming US Open. The world number two, who fell to Rafa Nadal in an epic five set final at Flushing Meadows in 2019, is guaranteed not to suffer the same fate this year after the Spaniard said he would sit out to focus on healing a nagging foot injury. In addition to Nadal, past champions Roger Federer, Stan Wawrinka, Dominic Thiem and Juan Martin Del Potro will also be missing in action in New York. "I'm going to try to do my best. If I manage to keep the level I'm playing at right now, I have good chances to go far," Medvedev told reporters after crushing Pablo Carreno Busta to reach the semi-finals of the Western & Southern Open on Friday. But the big-serving Russian said he knows anything can happen on the sport's biggest stages. "One day you might feel not so good," said Medvedev, who complained about the stifling heat at the Tokyo Olympics before falling in the quarter-finals. "You're going to get an opponent who is going to play the best match of his life." And although those other titans of the game are out of the picture, the most dangerous player in all of tennis, world number one Novak Djokovic, will be especially motivated. The Serb heads to New York looking to complete a calendar Grand Slam and earn a record-breaking 21st men's Grand Slam title. "Definitely Novak is going to be the highest contender," Medvedev said. "He's winning almost all the Grand Slams right now. He won already 20. He has experience. He has a level. I'm not gonna lie. "So he's the man under pressure, but I think he likes it. Some guys under pressure can crack. That's not Novak. So he's definitely the main contender," he said, noting that if they do meet it will be in the final since they will be on opposite sides of the draw. "When I play good in New York, I can get good results, and of course, yeah, I want to win it," he said. The U.S. Open runs from Aug. 30 to Sept. 12.

Daniil Medvedev ready to seize US Open opportunity

Top seed Daniil Medvedev captured his fourth ATP Masters 1000 crown here on Monday (IST), overcoming American Reilly Opelka 6-4, 6-3 to become the first Russian champion at the National Bank Open since Marat Safin in 2000. 
 
The 25-year-old took down big-server John Isner in the semifinals as he stood two or three feet closer to the baseline on return to counter the height and angle of the serve. Medvedev successfully repeated this against 6`11" Opelka, breaking twice as he won in 85 minutes. 
 
"I could not have dreamt of [this] at one point," Medvedev said in his on-court interview. "With Masters, with Novak [Djokovic] and Rafael [Nadal] playing, it seemed like an untouchable achievement. Now I have four wins in five finals, which is a good score. I am just happy. I want to achieve more. I am really happy I achieved this in Canada. 
 
"Even today, he [Opelka] showed up, he played some really good points. He was fighting until the end, he saved break points in crucial moments. Playing your first [Masters 1000] final is not easy. I played my first in Canada and won only three games," Medvedev told atptour.com. 
 
"Playing Canada and Cincinnati, the goal is to win as many matches as possible. I was able to do it two years ago and I will try and do it again." 
 
The world No. 2 has now won 12 tour-level titles, with 11 of those triumphs coming on hard courts. He owns a 4-1 record in Masters 1000 finals, also capturing trophies in Cincinnati, Shanghai and Paris, with his one defeat in a final coming in Montreal to Rafael Nadal in 2019. 
 
The 2020 Nitto ATP Finals champion has lifted trophies this year on the hard courts in Marseille and grass in Marbella. Medvedev also guided Russia to the ATP Cup title in February before advancing to his second Grand Slam final at the Australian Open. 
 
Medvedev, who was competing in his first Masters 1000 championship match of the year, now holds a 4-1 ATP head-to-head against Opelka, having also defeated the 23-year-old at the French Open, in Miami and Washington. 
 
"When you play Reilly, I think still the biggest factor is how you serve and how you return. Actually, my serve was not on top point today. That`s why I had breakpoints to save. That`s why it was sometimes close calls on my serve," Medvedev said. "But I was very good on return. I managed to put pressure on him almost nonstop. I think he didn`t almost have maybe one or two easy games in the match. That`s what made the difference, if we talk about tennis. 
 
"[When] I played my first Masters final, I was happy just to be there playing against Rafa. I always try my best, but something was wrong, so I lost super easy and superfast. It can be the same for everybody. I know for me I think experience is the key... This week he beat some really strong guys to be in the final, so probably next time in the final [we] can wait for a more dangerous Reilly than today." 
 
Opelka was competing in his maiden Masters 1000 final on Sunday, having enjoyed a run to the last four at Internazionali BNL d`Italia in Rome in May. The 23-year-old, who recorded his first top-5 win against world No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semifinals, has won two tour-level titles in New York in 2019 and Delray Beach in 2020.

Top seed Daniil Medvedev captured his fourth ATP Masters 1000 crown here on Monday (IST), overcoming American Reilly Opelka 6-4, 6-3 to become the first Russian champion at the National Bank Open since Marat Safin in 2000.

Top seed Daniil Medvedev captured his fourth ATP Masters 1000 crown here on Monday (IST), overcoming American Reilly Opelka 6-4, 6-3 to become the first Russian champion at the National Bank Open since Marat Safin in 2000. The 25-year-old took down big-server John Isner in the semifinals as he stood two or three feet closer to the baseline on return to counter the height and angle of the serve. Medvedev successfully repeated this against 6`11" Opelka, breaking twice as he won in 85 minutes. "I could not have dreamt of [this] at one point," Medvedev said in his on-court interview. "With Masters, with Novak [Djokovic] and Rafael [Nadal] playing, it seemed like an untouchable achievement. Now I have four wins in five finals, which is a good score. I am just happy. I want to achieve more. I am really happy I achieved this in Canada. "Even today, he [Opelka] showed up, he played some really good points. He was fighting until the end, he saved break points in crucial moments. Playing your first [Masters 1000] final is not easy. I played my first in Canada and won only three games," Medvedev told atptour.com. "Playing Canada and Cincinnati, the goal is to win as many matches as possible. I was able to do it two years ago and I will try and do it again." The world No. 2 has now won 12 tour-level titles, with 11 of those triumphs coming on hard courts. He owns a 4-1 record in Masters 1000 finals, also capturing trophies in Cincinnati, Shanghai and Paris, with his one defeat in a final coming in Montreal to Rafael Nadal in 2019. The 2020 Nitto ATP Finals champion has lifted trophies this year on the hard courts in Marseille and grass in Marbella. Medvedev also guided Russia to the ATP Cup title in February before advancing to his second Grand Slam final at the Australian Open. Medvedev, who was competing in his first Masters 1000 championship match of the year, now holds a 4-1 ATP head-to-head against Opelka, having also defeated the 23-year-old at the French Open, in Miami and Washington. "When you play Reilly, I think still the biggest factor is how you serve and how you return. Actually, my serve was not on top point today. That`s why I had breakpoints to save. That`s why it was sometimes close calls on my serve," Medvedev said. "But I was very good on return. I managed to put pressure on him almost nonstop. I think he didn`t almost have maybe one or two easy games in the match. That`s what made the difference, if we talk about tennis. "[When] I played my first Masters final, I was happy just to be there playing against Rafa. I always try my best, but something was wrong, so I lost super easy and superfast. It can be the same for everybody. I know for me I think experience is the key... This week he beat some really strong guys to be in the final, so probably next time in the final [we] can wait for a more dangerous Reilly than today." Opelka was competing in his maiden Masters 1000 final on Sunday, having enjoyed a run to the last four at Internazionali BNL d`Italia in Rome in May. The 23-year-old, who recorded his first top-5 win against world No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semifinals, has won two tour-level titles in New York in 2019 and Delray Beach in 2020.

Tennis - Daniil Medvedev tames giant Opelka for Toronto title

On Wednesday, a break between the second and final set worked wonders for Daniil Medvedev during his third-round men's singles match at the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics.

On Thursday, it didn't. The world number two lost 6-2 7-6(5) to Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta in the quarter-final, despite leaving the court for another lengthy break to change clothes after losing the opening set.

"I changed everything I had (clothes)," Medvedev said afterwards. "I wanted to change my skin because I was sweating like I never did before. It was terrible."

Playing under a blazing sun in humid conditions against Fabio Fognini in Wednesday's first match on Center Court, Medvedev struggled to breathe and said he was on the verge of collapsing.

On Thursday, the matches started from 3 pm after organizers accepted the players' plea to delay the start from the regular 11 am due to the stifling conditions.

The Russian thanked world number one Novak Djokovic for pushing the players' case with the governing body International Tennis Federation.

"Novak is the man, thanks to him. I didn't enjoy the conditions still, but it was much better than playing at 11," Medvedev said with a smile.

Medvedev had a chance to set up an all-Russian semi-final in the men's singles in Tokyo after his compatriot Karen Khachanov progressed to the last four stage earlier on Thursday.

But he said he was not even frustrated after his defeat to Carreno Busta.

"I was just surprised at his level," Medvedev said. "Because today he could win Masters easily and yet he's never been in any final of those. A Grand Slam is different, but with the level here today he can go in the final of the Grand Slam. Easy.

"And about me, I am always trying to do my best. I couldn't play better than what I did today. I could serve better, but then I was wet like hell. I couldn't toss the ball well, once I tossed the ball and got water in my eyes.

"It was not easy to play and I'm really disappointed with myself and for my country to lose in the quarters."

On Wednesday, a break between the second and final set worked wonders for Daniil Medvedev during his third-round men's singles match at the Tokyo Olympics. On Thursday, it didn't.

On Wednesday, a break between the second and final set worked wonders for Daniil Medvedev during his third-round men's singles match at the Tokyo Olympics. On Thursday, it didn't. The world number two lost 6-2 7-6(5) to Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta in the quarter-final, despite leaving the court for another lengthy break to change clothes after losing the opening set. "I changed everything I had (clothes)," Medvedev said afterwards. "I wanted to change my skin because I was sweating like I never did before. It was terrible." Playing under a blazing sun in humid conditions against Fabio Fognini in Wednesday's first match on Center Court, Medvedev struggled to breathe and said he was on the verge of collapsing. On Thursday, the matches started from 3 pm after organizers accepted the players' plea to delay the start from the regular 11 am due to the stifling conditions. The Russian thanked world number one Novak Djokovic for pushing the players' case with the governing body International Tennis Federation. "Novak is the man, thanks to him. I didn't enjoy the conditions still, but it was much better than playing at 11," Medvedev said with a smile. Medvedev had a chance to set up an all-Russian semi-final in the men's singles in Tokyo after his compatriot Karen Khachanov progressed to the last four stage earlier on Thursday. But he said he was not even frustrated after his defeat to Carreno Busta. "I was just surprised at his level," Medvedev said. "Because today he could win Masters easily and yet he's never been in any final of those. A Grand Slam is different, but with the level here today he can go in the final of the Grand Slam. Easy. "And about me, I am always trying to do my best. I couldn't play better than what I did today. I could serve better, but then I was wet like hell. I couldn't toss the ball well, once I tossed the ball and got water in my eyes. "It was not easy to play and I'm really disappointed with myself and for my country to lose in the quarters."

Tokyo Olympics: 'Wanted to change my skin' during break, says Daniil Medvedev

Daniil Medvedev lost his cool after a journalist asked him a question on Russian athletes carrying a 'stigma of cheaters' coming into the Olympic Games.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-if-i-die-will-the-itf-take-responsibility-daniil-medvedev-fumes-over-tokyo-heat-401147" hreflang="en">Olympics- 'If I die will the ITF take responsibility?': Daniil Medvedev fumes over Tokyo heat</a>

The reporter, whose first language was not English, asked him: "Are the Russian Olympic team athletes carrying a stigma of cheaters in these Games after the scandal and how do you feel about it?"

The question ticked off the world number 2 and he lost his cool.&nbsp;"That’s the first time in my life I’m not gonna answer a question, man. And you should be embarrassed of yourself," he said.&nbsp;

The Russian tennis star urged the press officer beside him to remove him from either the Games or the tennis competition. "I think you should [remove] him from either the Olympic Games, either the tennis tournament. I don’t wanna see him again in my interviews. Thanks," he fumed.

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Medvedev walked away by saying that it was the first such incident in his life.&nbsp;

Earlier, Medvedev was visibly upset due to the scorching conditions for tennis in Tokyo Olympics 2020. He went up to the umpire and told him that he could finish his match but wanted to know who will take responsibility if he died.

"I'm fine. I can finish the match but I can die. If I die will the ITF (governing body International Tennis Federation) take responsibility?" Medvedev said in reply.

The ITF's 'extreme weather policy' allows a 10-minute break between the second and third set if agreed by both players and Medvedev used that time to get a freezing cold shower.

"Even from the first set I didn't feel good enough with my breathing. That's why I called the physio, I felt like my diaphragm was blocked," he said, adding that he felt it was the most humid day so far in Tokyo.

"And then on the second set, I just had darkness in my eyes, like between every point, I didn't know what to do to feel better. Like I was bending over and I couldn't get my breath together so I was ready to just fall down on the court."

Daniil Medvedev lost his cool after a journalist asked him a question on Russian athletes carrying a 'stigma of cheaters' coming into the Olympic Games. ALSO READ: Olympics- 'If I die will the ITF take responsibility?

Daniil Medvedev lost his cool after a journalist asked him a question on Russian athletes carrying a 'stigma of cheaters' coming into the Olympic Games. ALSO READ: Olympics- 'If I die will the ITF take responsibility?': Daniil Medvedev fumes over Tokyo heat The reporter, whose first language was not English, asked him: "Are the Russian Olympic team athletes carrying a stigma of cheaters in these Games after the scandal and how do you feel about it?" The question ticked off the world number 2 and he lost his cool. "That’s the first time in my life I’m not gonna answer a question, man. And you should be embarrassed of yourself," he said. The Russian tennis star urged the press officer beside him to remove him from either the Games or the tennis competition. "I think you should [remove] him from either the Olympic Games, either the tennis tournament. I don’t wanna see him again in my interviews. Thanks," he fumed. IN PICS| Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback Medvedev walked away by saying that it was the first such incident in his life. Earlier, Medvedev was visibly upset due to the scorching conditions for tennis in Tokyo Olympics 2020. He went up to the umpire and told him that he could finish his match but wanted to know who will take responsibility if he died. "I'm fine. I can finish the match but I can die. If I die will the ITF (governing body International Tennis Federation) take responsibility?" Medvedev said in reply. The ITF's 'extreme weather policy' allows a 10-minute break between the second and third set if agreed by both players and Medvedev used that time to get a freezing cold shower. "Even from the first set I didn't feel good enough with my breathing. That's why I called the physio, I felt like my diaphragm was blocked," he said, adding that he felt it was the most humid day so far in Tokyo. "And then on the second set, I just had darkness in my eyes, like between every point, I didn't know what to do to feel better. Like I was bending over and I couldn't get my breath together so I was ready to just fall down on the court."

Tokyo Olympics: Daniil Medvedev fumes at journalist, asks for him to be removed over 'cheater' question

Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev was visibly upset due to the stifling conditions for tennis in Tokyo Olympics 2020. World number 2 went up to the umpire and told him that he could finish his match but wanted to know who will take responsibility if he died.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-indian-archer-deepika-kumari-beats-jennifer-fernandez-and-advances-to-quarter-finals-401123">Archer Deepika Kumari beats Jennifer Fernandez and advances to quarter-finals</a>

Medvedev was seen struggling in the opening match against Italian Fabio Fognini at the Ariake Tennis Park on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Last week, Daniil Medvedev cited hot and humid weather conditions in Japan as the reason to delay the start of tennis at the Tokyo Olympics. The appeal was supported by world no.1 Novak Djokovic.&nbsp;

"I'm fine. I can finish the match but I can die. If I die will the ITF (governing body International Tennis Federation) take responsibility?" Medvedev said in reply.

The ITF's 'extreme weather policy' allows a 10-minute break between the second and third set if agreed by both players and Medvedev used that time to get a freezing cold shower.

"Even from the first set I didn't feel good enough with my breathing. That's why I called the physio, I felt like my diaphragm was blocked," he said, adding that he felt it was the most humid day so far in Tokyo.

"And then on the second set, I just had darkness in my eyes, like between every point, I didn't know what to do to feel better. Like I was bending over and I couldn't get my breath together so I was ready to just fall down on the court."

Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev was visibly upset due to the stifling conditions for tennis in Tokyo Olympics 2020. World number 2 went up to the umpire and told him that he could finish his match but wanted to know who will take responsibility if he died.

Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev was visibly upset due to the stifling conditions for tennis in Tokyo Olympics 2020. World number 2 went up to the umpire and told him that he could finish his match but wanted to know who will take responsibility if he died. ALSO READ: Archer Deepika Kumari beats Jennifer Fernandez and advances to quarter-finals Medvedev was seen struggling in the opening match against Italian Fabio Fognini at the Ariake Tennis Park on Wednesday. Last week, Daniil Medvedev cited hot and humid weather conditions in Japan as the reason to delay the start of tennis at the Tokyo Olympics. The appeal was supported by world no.1 Novak Djokovic. "I'm fine. I can finish the match but I can die. If I die will the ITF (governing body International Tennis Federation) take responsibility?" Medvedev said in reply. The ITF's 'extreme weather policy' allows a 10-minute break between the second and third set if agreed by both players and Medvedev used that time to get a freezing cold shower. "Even from the first set I didn't feel good enough with my breathing. That's why I called the physio, I felt like my diaphragm was blocked," he said, adding that he felt it was the most humid day so far in Tokyo. "And then on the second set, I just had darkness in my eyes, like between every point, I didn't know what to do to feel better. Like I was bending over and I couldn't get my breath together so I was ready to just fall down on the court."

Olympics- 'If I die will the ITF take responsibility?': Daniil Medvedev fumes over Tokyo heat

India tennis star Sumit Nagal on Monday bowed out of the ongoing Tokyo Olympics after losing the second round match against Daniil Medvedev here at the Ariake Tennis Court 1.

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Medvedev defeated Nagal 6-2, 6-1 in the second round to progress further ahead in the Olympics. The entire match lasted for 1 hour and 6 minutes. The number two seed Medvedev dominated the first set, giving no respite to Nagal, and in the end, the Russian was just one more set away from progressing to the next round.

Medvedev continued with his charge in the second set and wrapped up the match straight sets. On Saturday, Nagal had defeated Denis Istomin to enter the second round of the men`s singles event in the Olympics.

On Sunday, the women`s doubles pair of Sania Mirza and Ankita Raina bowed out after losing their first-round match.&nbsp;

India tennis star Sumit Nagal on Monday bowed out of the ongoing Tokyo Olympics after losing the second round match against Daniil Medvedev here at the Ariake Tennis Court 1.

India tennis star Sumit Nagal on Monday bowed out of the ongoing Tokyo Olympics after losing the second round match against Daniil Medvedev here at the Ariake Tennis Court 1. ALSO READ: Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback Medvedev defeated Nagal 6-2, 6-1 in the second round to progress further ahead in the Olympics. The entire match lasted for 1 hour and 6 minutes. The number two seed Medvedev dominated the first set, giving no respite to Nagal, and in the end, the Russian was just one more set away from progressing to the next round. Medvedev continued with his charge in the second set and wrapped up the match straight sets. On Saturday, Nagal had defeated Denis Istomin to enter the second round of the men`s singles event in the Olympics. On Sunday, the women`s doubles pair of Sania Mirza and Ankita Raina bowed out after losing their first-round match.

Tokyo Olympics: Sumit Nagal loses to Daniil Medvedev in second round

Poland`s Hubert Hurkacz ousted second seed Daniil Medvedev after the pair returned on Tuesday to finish their rain-hit match and reached his maiden major quarter-final where he will meet eight-time Wimbledon winner Roger Federer. 
 
World No.2 Medvedev was leading Hurkacz by two sets to one on Monday with the fourth set on serve when play was cancelled for the day because of rain after the players had spent two hours and 25 minutes on Court Two. 
 
But the 24-year-old Hurkacz, seeded 14th, looked a completely different player when the match restarted under the closed roof of Centre Court, triumphing 2-6 7-6(2) 3-6 6-3 6-3. 
 
"Playing on this unbelievable court, probably the best in the world, with an amazing crowd is really special," Hurkacz said in his on-court interview. 
 
"Daniil is an unbelievable player. We battled so hard on Number Two Court. So to win is incredible... I knew I needed to get off to a strong start today and I think I did a pretty good job." 
 
Hurkacz could not have hoped for a better start as he broke Medvedev immediately after the resumption with the Russian double-faulting on break point. The Pole then held serve to level the match at two sets each. 
 
Medvedev took a comfort break at the end of the fourth set having just played two games but things did not change when he returned to court. 
 
The Pole broke the Russian`s serve to love at the start of the deciding set to continue his ascendancy before a second break sealed the fate of the contest with Medvedev finding the net with a low forehand volley on match point. 
 
Next up for the world number 18 will be the 39-year-old Federer, the 20-time major winner, who defeated him in their only previous meeting in 2019 at Indian Wells. 
 
"Roger, what he does, the titles he has won, is a real inspiration," Hurkacz said about the Swiss great. "I will be hoping to get a little bit of support tomorrow."

Poland`s Hubert Hurkacz ousted second seed Daniil Medvedev after the pair returned on Tuesday to finish their rain-hit match and reached his maiden major quarter-final where he will meet eight-time Wimbledon winner Roger Federer.

Poland`s Hubert Hurkacz ousted second seed Daniil Medvedev after the pair returned on Tuesday to finish their rain-hit match and reached his maiden major quarter-final where he will meet eight-time Wimbledon winner Roger Federer. World No.2 Medvedev was leading Hurkacz by two sets to one on Monday with the fourth set on serve when play was cancelled for the day because of rain after the players had spent two hours and 25 minutes on Court Two. But the 24-year-old Hurkacz, seeded 14th, looked a completely different player when the match restarted under the closed roof of Centre Court, triumphing 2-6 7-6(2) 3-6 6-3 6-3. "Playing on this unbelievable court, probably the best in the world, with an amazing crowd is really special," Hurkacz said in his on-court interview. "Daniil is an unbelievable player. We battled so hard on Number Two Court. So to win is incredible... I knew I needed to get off to a strong start today and I think I did a pretty good job." Hurkacz could not have hoped for a better start as he broke Medvedev immediately after the resumption with the Russian double-faulting on break point. The Pole then held serve to level the match at two sets each. Medvedev took a comfort break at the end of the fourth set having just played two games but things did not change when he returned to court. The Pole broke the Russian`s serve to love at the start of the deciding set to continue his ascendancy before a second break sealed the fate of the contest with Medvedev finding the net with a low forehand volley on match point. Next up for the world number 18 will be the 39-year-old Federer, the 20-time major winner, who defeated him in their only previous meeting in 2019 at Indian Wells. "Roger, what he does, the titles he has won, is a real inspiration," Hurkacz said about the Swiss great. "I will be hoping to get a little bit of support tomorrow."

Tennis: Hurkacz sends Medvedev crashing out and sets Federer date

Roger Federer moved into the quarterfinals of Wimbledon for a record-expanding eighteenth time with a 7-5, 6-4, 6-2 success over Lorenzo Sonego. Addressing the media after the match, Roger Federer uncovered that he believes himself to be a "different player" at the current year's Championships.&nbsp;

He additionally gave his considerations on his conceivable quarterfinal rival, and why the personality of that player has almost no impact on his own arrangements.&nbsp;

Roger Federer will either play Daniil Medvedev or Hubert Hurkacz in the quarterfinals. Under ordinary conditions, Roger Federer would have known his next adversary at this point, yet the rest of the Daniil Medvedev-Hubert Hurkacz match has been moved to Tuesday because of the downpour.&nbsp;

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He then, at that point featured the need to focus on his game and be ready without paying much attention to who would the opponent be: "For me, it doesn't really matter who is on the other side of the net," Roger Federer said. "I have to focus on my game and have to rely on my weapons."

Roger Federer further asserted he is not, at this point the very player that won the title at SW19 multiple times. He clarified that not at all like earlier years, he currently needs to plan his matches on a point-by-point premise.&nbsp;

"I'm a different player at Wimbledon this year than I have been in previous years," Federer said. "I have to understand what works and think point by point."

"I vary from the baseline even more than I did before. It's a different time, even if I'm in the quarterfinals like I used to be," he added.

The 20-time Major hero further guaranteed he needed to demonstrate to himself that he could play at the most significant level in consecutive occasions. Roger Federer communicated his joy at preparing truly for Wimbledon on schedule, however then, at that point expressed that completing the match against Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets was vital to keep up with his energy levels.&nbsp;

"In my case, there was a rather big question mark because I had to show myself that I could really do it. I was willing to sacrifice certain things to be there on the court and try to get my physique ready for this tournament. It is very gratifying to be able to do it, although we will see how much more I have left in the tank. It was important to win in straight sets."

Roger Federer moved into the quarterfinals of Wimbledon for a record-expanding eighteenth time with a 7-5, 6-4, 6-2 success over Lorenzo Sonego. Addressing the media after the match, Roger Federer uncovered that he believes himself to be a "different player" at the current year's Championships.

Roger Federer moved into the quarterfinals of Wimbledon for a record-expanding eighteenth time with a 7-5, 6-4, 6-2 success over Lorenzo Sonego. Addressing the media after the match, Roger Federer uncovered that he believes himself to be a "different player" at the current year's Championships. He additionally gave his considerations on his conceivable quarterfinal rival, and why the personality of that player has almost no impact on his own arrangements. Roger Federer will either play Daniil Medvedev or Hubert Hurkacz in the quarterfinals. Under ordinary conditions, Roger Federer would have known his next adversary at this point, yet the rest of the Daniil Medvedev-Hubert Hurkacz match has been moved to Tuesday because of the downpour. ALSO READ: Tennis-Djokovic rolls into Wimbledon quarters with Garin thrashing He then, at that point featured the need to focus on his game and be ready without paying much attention to who would the opponent be: "For me, it doesn't really matter who is on the other side of the net," Roger Federer said. "I have to focus on my game and have to rely on my weapons." Roger Federer further asserted he is not, at this point the very player that won the title at SW19 multiple times. He clarified that not at all like earlier years, he currently needs to plan his matches on a point-by-point premise. "I'm a different player at Wimbledon this year than I have been in previous years," Federer said. "I have to understand what works and think point by point." "I vary from the baseline even more than I did before. It's a different time, even if I'm in the quarterfinals like I used to be," he added. The 20-time Major hero further guaranteed he needed to demonstrate to himself that he could play at the most significant level in consecutive occasions. Roger Federer communicated his joy at preparing truly for Wimbledon on schedule, however then, at that point expressed that completing the match against Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets was vital to keep up with his energy levels. "In my case, there was a rather big question mark because I had to show myself that I could really do it. I was willing to sacrifice certain things to be there on the court and try to get my physique ready for this tournament. It is very gratifying to be able to do it, although we will see how much more I have left in the tank. It was important to win in straight sets."

Wimbledon 2021: I'm a different player this year than I have been in previous years, says Roger Federer

World Number two, Daniil Medvedev survived a scare against 2017 finalist Marin Cilic to enter the second week of the Wimbledon Championship for the very first time here at Number 1 Court.

Medvedev extended his grass-court winning streak to seven matches with the 6-7(3), 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 victory, a three hour, 36-minute marathon of twists and turns and moments of madness.

This victory was also his first time coming back from two sets down at a Grand Slam.In the first set, Cilic broke the number two seed for a 4-2 lead. But Medvedev broke straight back courtesy of a Cilic double fault and set then went to the tie-break. The Croatian then took that decider for the loss of just three points and continued that dominance in the second set which he took by 6-3.

Medvedev got the breakthrough he was looking for when he snaffled the Cilic serve in the third set. And from there the Russian did not look back as he again broke at the start of the fourth set and marched purposefully towards the fifth.

In the decider, it was Medvedev who drew the first blood as Cilic`s serve was becoming more and more brittle. Cilic`s chance had come and gone while Daniil settled into his rhythm and established a 5-0 lead. Cilic clawed it back to 5-2 but that is as far as he got.

Medvedev converted his fourth match after Cilic pushed a backhand long point to advance.

"It was an unbelievable match. It was the first time I came back from two sets down to win. What is amazing is two times here in Wimbledon, I was two sets down and two times I came back and had a break in the fifth set and lost the match," Wimbledon quoted Medvedev after the match.

Elsewhere, for the 18th time, Roger Federer entered the second week at Wimbledon as he defeated Cameron Norrie in the third round 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 at Centre Court.&nbsp;

World Number two, Daniil Medvedev survived a scare against 2017 finalist Marin Cilic to enter the second week of the Wimbledon Championship for the very first time here at Number 1 Court.

World Number two, Daniil Medvedev survived a scare against 2017 finalist Marin Cilic to enter the second week of the Wimbledon Championship for the very first time here at Number 1 Court. Medvedev extended his grass-court winning streak to seven matches with the 6-7(3), 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 victory, a three hour, 36-minute marathon of twists and turns and moments of madness. This victory was also his first time coming back from two sets down at a Grand Slam.In the first set, Cilic broke the number two seed for a 4-2 lead. But Medvedev broke straight back courtesy of a Cilic double fault and set then went to the tie-break. The Croatian then took that decider for the loss of just three points and continued that dominance in the second set which he took by 6-3. Medvedev got the breakthrough he was looking for when he snaffled the Cilic serve in the third set. And from there the Russian did not look back as he again broke at the start of the fourth set and marched purposefully towards the fifth. In the decider, it was Medvedev who drew the first blood as Cilic`s serve was becoming more and more brittle. Cilic`s chance had come and gone while Daniil settled into his rhythm and established a 5-0 lead. Cilic clawed it back to 5-2 but that is as far as he got. Medvedev converted his fourth match after Cilic pushed a backhand long point to advance. "It was an unbelievable match. It was the first time I came back from two sets down to win. What is amazing is two times here in Wimbledon, I was two sets down and two times I came back and had a break in the fifth set and lost the match," Wimbledon quoted Medvedev after the match. Elsewhere, for the 18th time, Roger Federer entered the second week at Wimbledon as he defeated Cameron Norrie in the third round 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 at Centre Court.

Wimbledon: Medvedev survives giant scare against Cilic to enter round four for first time

Top seed Daniil Medvedev reached his first grasscourt final as he came from a set behind to beat Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta at the Mallorca Open on Friday.

The Russian world number two won 3-6 6-3 6-2 to set up a final against American Sam Querrey.

The 25-year-old's 10 Tour-level titles have all been on hard courts but he is showing form on the grass in time for Wimbledon which starts on Monday where he will be the second seed.

"I know that I can play good on grass," Medvedev said. "Unfortunately we don't have that many tournaments, only one ATP 500 and one Grand Slam. It's going to be a special feeling (if I) win my first title on grass.

"Adding titles, especially on different surfaces, can help your confidence and it's just a great thing for your career."

Medvedev banged down 10 aces on a baking hot day at the Santa Ponsa venue, eventually getting the upper hand after being outplayed in the early stages by the Spaniard.

The 33-year-old Querrey blasted 18 aces past Adrian Mannarino en route to a 6-4 6-3 victory.

Several top players have been fine-tuning their games in Mallorca this week including Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic who entered the doubles event.

Top seed Daniil Medvedev reached his first grasscourt final as he came from a set behind to beat Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta at the Mallorca Open on Friday. The Russian world number two won 3-6 6-3 6-2 to set up a final against American Sam Querrey.

Top seed Daniil Medvedev reached his first grasscourt final as he came from a set behind to beat Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta at the Mallorca Open on Friday. The Russian world number two won 3-6 6-3 6-2 to set up a final against American Sam Querrey. The 25-year-old's 10 Tour-level titles have all been on hard courts but he is showing form on the grass in time for Wimbledon which starts on Monday where he will be the second seed. "I know that I can play good on grass," Medvedev said. "Unfortunately we don't have that many tournaments, only one ATP 500 and one Grand Slam. It's going to be a special feeling (if I) win my first title on grass. "Adding titles, especially on different surfaces, can help your confidence and it's just a great thing for your career." Medvedev banged down 10 aces on a baking hot day at the Santa Ponsa venue, eventually getting the upper hand after being outplayed in the early stages by the Spaniard. The 33-year-old Querrey blasted 18 aces past Adrian Mannarino en route to a 6-4 6-3 victory. Several top players have been fine-tuning their games in Mallorca this week including Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic who entered the doubles event.

Tennis: Daniil Medvedev and Sam Querrey set up Mallorca Open showdown

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic, 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer and world number two Daniil Medvedev all said they were keen to take part in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but added their decision could change in the coming weeks.

Speaking ahead of his opening round Roland Garros match on Monday (May 31), Djokovic revealed that he might consider skipping the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;if the competitions are played without spectators.

Foreign spectators have already been banned and organizers are expected to make a decision next month on whether Japanese fans will be able to attend the Games, set to run between July 23 and Aug. 8, and under what conditions.

"I'm planning to play the Olympic Games for now. As I heard, there's going to be some crowd, local crowd from Japan only. As I understand, 20%, 30% of the capacity,"

"If they change something, if there's not going to be any crowd, then I'll consider if I want to go or not. Right now I am planning to go and I'm very excited about that," said Djokovic

Federer, who claimed a comfortable 6-2 6-4 6-3 first-round win over qualifier Denis Istomin, admitted his dream is to attend the Games but is still undecided.

"I feel two ways. I would love to play. I wish things were better around the world. My wish and hope and dream is that I can play it,"

"But it needs to make sense for me, my team, my family, and my country. So, I'm still waiting to see how things are going to develop in the next couple of weeks and months," added the Swiss veteran.

Meanwhile, Medvedev, off the back of a first-ever match win at the Paris slam, said he was excited to compete in Tokyo, but would be wary if there was a 14-day quarantine period rule.

"If you have to quarantine for 14 days in the room, I want to tell you nobody from tennis will go there,"

"So far from what I know, you can come there five days before the tournament, get used to the jet lag, get used to conditions and if these conditions stay, I think many people will go."

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic, 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer and world number two Daniil Medvedev all said they were keen to take part in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but added their decision could change in the coming weeks.

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic, 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer and world number two Daniil Medvedev all said they were keen to take part in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but added their decision could change in the coming weeks. Speaking ahead of his opening round Roland Garros match on Monday (May 31), Djokovic revealed that he might consider skipping the Olympics if the competitions are played without spectators. Foreign spectators have already been banned and organizers are expected to make a decision next month on whether Japanese fans will be able to attend the Games, set to run between July 23 and Aug. 8, and under what conditions. "I'm planning to play the Olympic Games for now. As I heard, there's going to be some crowd, local crowd from Japan only. As I understand, 20%, 30% of the capacity," "If they change something, if there's not going to be any crowd, then I'll consider if I want to go or not. Right now I am planning to go and I'm very excited about that," said Djokovic Federer, who claimed a comfortable 6-2 6-4 6-3 first-round win over qualifier Denis Istomin, admitted his dream is to attend the Games but is still undecided. "I feel two ways. I would love to play. I wish things were better around the world. My wish and hope and dream is that I can play it," "But it needs to make sense for me, my team, my family, and my country. So, I'm still waiting to see how things are going to develop in the next couple of weeks and months," added the Swiss veteran. Meanwhile, Medvedev, off the back of a first-ever match win at the Paris slam, said he was excited to compete in Tokyo, but would be wary if there was a 14-day quarantine period rule. "If you have to quarantine for 14 days in the room, I want to tell you nobody from tennis will go there," "So far from what I know, you can come there five days before the tournament, get used to the jet lag, get used to conditions and if these conditions stay, I think many people will go."

Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Daniil Medvedev give their Olympic verdict

The recent success of younger players on the men's tour points to an "inevitable" shift at the top of the ATP rankings, said world number one Novak Djokovic.

The last four ATP Masters 1000 events -- the most prestigious tournaments outside the Grand Slams&nbsp;have been won by players outside the 'Big Three' of Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, and Roger Federer.

Russian Daniil Medvedev, 25, won the ATP Finals and the Paris Masters titles last year and has already displaced Spaniard Nadal from the second spot.

Hubert Hurkacz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Alexander Zverev have won the three Masters events this year with Greek Tsitsipas the youngest of them at 22.

Djokovic, 33, told reporters at the Rome Masters on Monday that the results showed there was a generational shift underway.

"There are guys like Tsitsipas, Zverev, (Matteo) Berrettini, (Andrey) Rublev that are winning against all of us and playing a lot and building their ranking points," he added.

"Medvedev as well, of course, and challenging for the top spots. Dominic Thiem has been there for many years.

"It's inevitable that it's going to happen. The change on the men's rankings, top of the rankings is coming. Whether it's going to happen in a month or a year or whatever, I don't know."

While the 39-year-old Federer missed most of the last 14 months due to knee problems, Djokovic passed his record for the most weeks as world number one in March.

But the Serbian, who has won 18 Grand Slam titles, is more focused on chasing down the 20 major wins of Federer and the 34-year-old Nadal.

"I'm not personally paying too much attention anymore to the rankings as much as I am to my game for the Grand Slams," he said. "Those are the biggest focus tournaments right now at this stage of my career."

Djokovic has made changes to his schedule to spend more time with his family and since his Melbourne win has only played the Monte Carlo Masters and an event at home in Belgrade.

He will wind up his preparations for the French Open, which starts at the end of the month, with this week's Rome Masters and another ATP event in Belgrade.

"Four tournaments before French is I think enough in terms of the match play," he said. "So I'm building my fitness and I'm building just my game slowly step by step in order to peak in Paris. That's definitely where I want to play my best."

The recent success of younger players on the men's tour points to an "inevitable" shift at the top of the ATP rankings, said world number one Novak Djokovic. The last four ATP Masters 1000 events -- the most prestigious tournaments outside the Grand Slams have been won by players outside the 'Big Three' of Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, and Roger Federer.

The recent success of younger players on the men's tour points to an "inevitable" shift at the top of the ATP rankings, said world number one Novak Djokovic. The last four ATP Masters 1000 events -- the most prestigious tournaments outside the Grand Slams have been won by players outside the 'Big Three' of Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, and Roger Federer. Russian Daniil Medvedev, 25, won the ATP Finals and the Paris Masters titles last year and has already displaced Spaniard Nadal from the second spot. Hubert Hurkacz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Alexander Zverev have won the three Masters events this year with Greek Tsitsipas the youngest of them at 22. Djokovic, 33, told reporters at the Rome Masters on Monday that the results showed there was a generational shift underway. "There are guys like Tsitsipas, Zverev, (Matteo) Berrettini, (Andrey) Rublev that are winning against all of us and playing a lot and building their ranking points," he added. "Medvedev as well, of course, and challenging for the top spots. Dominic Thiem has been there for many years. "It's inevitable that it's going to happen. The change on the men's rankings, top of the rankings is coming. Whether it's going to happen in a month or a year or whatever, I don't know." While the 39-year-old Federer missed most of the last 14 months due to knee problems, Djokovic passed his record for the most weeks as world number one in March. But the Serbian, who has won 18 Grand Slam titles, is more focused on chasing down the 20 major wins of Federer and the 34-year-old Nadal. "I'm not personally paying too much attention anymore to the rankings as much as I am to my game for the Grand Slams," he said. "Those are the biggest focus tournaments right now at this stage of my career." Djokovic has made changes to his schedule to spend more time with his family and since his Melbourne win has only played the Monte Carlo Masters and an event at home in Belgrade. He will wind up his preparations for the French Open, which starts at the end of the month, with this week's Rome Masters and another ATP event in Belgrade. "Four tournaments before French is I think enough in terms of the match play," he said. "So I'm building my fitness and I'm building just my game slowly step by step in order to peak in Paris. That's definitely where I want to play my best."

'Change is coming to the rankings, it's inevitable': World's no.1 Novak Djokovic

World number two Daniil Medvedev of Russia has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been withdrawn from this week's Monte Carlo Masters, the ATP said on Tuesday.

Medvedev, who was seeded second behind top-ranked Novak Djokovic at the ATP Masters 1000 event on clay, has been put in isolation and is being monitored by the tournament and ATP medical teams, the men's tennis governing body said in a statement.

"It's a big disappointment not to play in Monte-Carlo," said the 25-year-old.

"My focus is now on recovery and I look forward to getting back out on Tour as soon and as safely as possible."

The ATP on Monday posted a video of Medvedev's practice session in Monte Carlo with Spaniard Rafa Nadal. The governing body did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Nadal's participation in the tournament.

Medvedev, who had a first round bye, was scheduled to play the winner of the match between Serbian Filip Krajinovic and Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia but tested positive on Monday.

The Russian, who lives in Monte Carlo, was replaced in the draw by Argentinian lucky loser Juan Ignacio Londero while he was also withdrawn from doubles.

World number two Daniil Medvedev of Russia has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been withdrawn from this week's Monte Carlo Masters, the ATP said on Tuesday.

World number two Daniil Medvedev of Russia has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been withdrawn from this week's Monte Carlo Masters, the ATP said on Tuesday. Medvedev, who was seeded second behind top-ranked Novak Djokovic at the ATP Masters 1000 event on clay, has been put in isolation and is being monitored by the tournament and ATP medical teams, the men's tennis governing body said in a statement. "It's a big disappointment not to play in Monte-Carlo," said the 25-year-old. "My focus is now on recovery and I look forward to getting back out on Tour as soon and as safely as possible." The ATP on Monday posted a video of Medvedev's practice session in Monte Carlo with Spaniard Rafa Nadal. The governing body did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Nadal's participation in the tournament. Medvedev, who had a first round bye, was scheduled to play the winner of the match between Serbian Filip Krajinovic and Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia but tested positive on Monday. The Russian, who lives in Monte Carlo, was replaced in the draw by Argentinian lucky loser Juan Ignacio Londero while he was also withdrawn from doubles.

Medvedev tests COVID-19 positive, out of Monte Carlo Masters

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