Top-seeded Daniil Medvedev hobbled into the fourth round of the Miami Open on Sunday, defying crippling leg cramps to beat Australian Alexei Popyrin 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (7/9), 6-4.

World number two Medvedev, increasingly hampered as the third set wore on in the heat and humidity of South Florida, nevertheless mustered the only service break of the third set on the way to a dramatic victory over 86th-ranked Popyrin in the ATP Masters and WTA hardcourt tournament.

"It's probably one of the sweetest victories in my career, because I was cramping like hell in the third set," Medvedev said.

"It was really painful," Medvedev said. "A few moments during rallies, I felt like my legs were not following me any more. The only thing I was thinking about was not to fall down because if I fell down, I don't think I'd be able to get up.

"There were moments where I just wanted to lie down and say, 'OK, it's over,' but I couldn't accept that."

Medvedev had appeared to be cruising to the finish line when he seized a 5-2 lead in the second set.

Popyrin held serve for 5-3, but since Medvedev hadn't faced a break point in the match another hold seemed a mere formality.

Instead, Medvedev was broken to love in a game that featured a double fault and three superb forehand winners from Popyrin -- including a stinging cross-court return on break point.

Popyrin promptly fell to 0-40 in the next game but an ace, a service winner and a forehand long from Medvedev erased three match points.

Medvedev saved two set points in the tiebreak before Popyrin, who won his first ATP title at Singapore in February, leveled the match with a forehand winner on his third set point.

The Russian, runner-up to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open in February, will next face unseeded American Frances Tiafoe, who beat 16th-seeded Dusan Lajovic of Serbia 1-6, 7-5, 6-3.

John Isner, the 2018 champion and 2019 runner-up, booked a fourth-round spot with a 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5) victory over 11th-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime.

The match was a near-carbon copy of Isner's two-tiebreak win over Auger-Aliassime in the 2019 semi-finals. The US veteran, 35, next faces another familiar foe in Roberto Bautista Agut.

The seventh-seeded Spaniard beat Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to book a chance to avenge his 2019 quarter-final Miami loss to Isner.

<h2>- Osaka gets walkover -</h2>

Italian teenager Jannik Sinner out-lasted 14th-seeded Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, in a physically taxing 2hr 50min battle.

"I'm very happy that I won today this tough match," said Sinner, who booked a last-16 meeting with Finland's Emil Ruusuvuori.

Ruusuvuori, who toppled third-seeded Alexander Zverev in the second round, beat Sweden's Mikael Ymer &nbsp;4-6, 6-1, 7-5.

In the women's draw, second-seeded Naomi Osaka reached the fourth round for the first time, without lifting a racquet, when scheduled opponent Nina Stojanovic withdrew with a right thigh injury.

The US and Australian Open champion, who could overtake number one Ashleigh Barty in the rankings with a title victory if the Australian fails to reach the final, next faces 16th-seeded Belgian Elise Mertens, who defeated Anett Kontaveit of Estonia 6-2, 0-6, 6-2.

Spain's Garbine Muguruza, a two-time Grand Slam winner who ended a two-year title drought in Dubai this month, dropped the first set on the way to a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Anna Kalinskaya.

She will face eighth-seeded Canadian Bianca Andreescu, a 7-6 (7/4), 6-7 (2/7), 6-4 winner over American Amanda Anisimova.

Fourth-seeded American Sofia Kenin was eliminated by 27th seed Ons Jabeur of Tunisia 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

Top-seeded Daniil Medvedev hobbled into the fourth round of the Miami Open on Sunday, defying crippling leg cramps to beat Australian Alexei Popyrin 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (7/9), 6-4.

Top-seeded Daniil Medvedev hobbled into the fourth round of the Miami Open on Sunday, defying crippling leg cramps to beat Australian Alexei Popyrin 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (7/9), 6-4. World number two Medvedev, increasingly hampered as the third set wore on in the heat and humidity of South Florida, nevertheless mustered the only service break of the third set on the way to a dramatic victory over 86th-ranked Popyrin in the ATP Masters and WTA hardcourt tournament. "It's probably one of the sweetest victories in my career, because I was cramping like hell in the third set," Medvedev said. "It was really painful," Medvedev said. "A few moments during rallies, I felt like my legs were not following me any more. The only thing I was thinking about was not to fall down because if I fell down, I don't think I'd be able to get up. "There were moments where I just wanted to lie down and say, 'OK, it's over,' but I couldn't accept that." Medvedev had appeared to be cruising to the finish line when he seized a 5-2 lead in the second set. Popyrin held serve for 5-3, but since Medvedev hadn't faced a break point in the match another hold seemed a mere formality. Instead, Medvedev was broken to love in a game that featured a double fault and three superb forehand winners from Popyrin -- including a stinging cross-court return on break point. Popyrin promptly fell to 0-40 in the next game but an ace, a service winner and a forehand long from Medvedev erased three match points. Medvedev saved two set points in the tiebreak before Popyrin, who won his first ATP title at Singapore in February, leveled the match with a forehand winner on his third set point. The Russian, runner-up to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open in February, will next face unseeded American Frances Tiafoe, who beat 16th-seeded Dusan Lajovic of Serbia 1-6, 7-5, 6-3. John Isner, the 2018 champion and 2019 runner-up, booked a fourth-round spot with a 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5) victory over 11th-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime. The match was a near-carbon copy of Isner's two-tiebreak win over Auger-Aliassime in the 2019 semi-finals. The US veteran, 35, next faces another familiar foe in Roberto Bautista Agut. The seventh-seeded Spaniard beat Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to book a chance to avenge his 2019 quarter-final Miami loss to Isner. - Osaka gets walkover - Italian teenager Jannik Sinner out-lasted 14th-seeded Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, in a physically taxing 2hr 50min battle. "I'm very happy that I won today this tough match," said Sinner, who booked a last-16 meeting with Finland's Emil Ruusuvuori. Ruusuvuori, who toppled third-seeded Alexander Zverev in the second round, beat Sweden's Mikael Ymer 4-6, 6-1, 7-5. In the women's draw, second-seeded Naomi Osaka reached the fourth round for the first time, without lifting a racquet, when scheduled opponent Nina Stojanovic withdrew with a right thigh injury. The US and Australian Open champion, who could overtake number one Ashleigh Barty in the rankings with a title victory if the Australian fails to reach the final, next faces 16th-seeded Belgian Elise Mertens, who defeated Anett Kontaveit of Estonia 6-2, 0-6, 6-2. Spain's Garbine Muguruza, a two-time Grand Slam winner who ended a two-year title drought in Dubai this month, dropped the first set on the way to a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Anna Kalinskaya. She will face eighth-seeded Canadian Bianca Andreescu, a 7-6 (7/4), 6-7 (2/7), 6-4 winner over American Amanda Anisimova. Fourth-seeded American Sofia Kenin was eliminated by 27th seed Ons Jabeur of Tunisia 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

Top-seeded Medvedev toils into Miami Open fourth round

The new world number two in men's tennis has a new look to go with his ranking, but Russian Daniil Medvedev is unsure of how long he will keep the moustache he's sporting at the Miami Open.

Medvedev replaced Rafa Nadal as No. 2 last week, becoming the first player outside the Spaniard, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray to be ranked in the top two since Lleyton Hewitt in July 2005.

He arrived in Florida with his new moustache for the ATP Masters 1000 event, having been made top seed after No.1 Djokovic pulled out to spend more time with his family.

"Last year in the beginning of the year I was doing a photo shoot and they were shaving me for the photo shoot, and they just left the moustache for a few minutes," Medvedev told reporters after Friday's win over Taiwan's Yen-Hsun Lu.

"I was, like, 'it's not too bad'. It was a little bit different because they had special shavers and stuff. So I think it was looking better. Since that time I always thought, 'okay, one day I'm just going to do it for fun for one tournament or something like this'.

"So probably after Miami I'm going to shave them off, but for this tournament it's going to be like this and let's see what people say."

Last month Medvedev reached his second major final at the Australian Open on the back of a 20-match winning run that saw him pick up trophies at the Paris Masters, ATP Finals and team-based ATP Cup.

After going down in straight sets to Djokovic in Melbourne, Medvedev suffered a shock loss at Rotterdam before winning his 10th Tour title in Marseille.

Medvedev is 15-2 for the season and only fellow Russian Andrey Rublev, who is also at a career-best ranking of eighth, has more wins in 2021.

"I think it's great for both of us that we are doing so good. Russian tennis is definitely on the rise right now, and I like it," Medvedev said.

"We want people to talk more about tennis in Russia. That's what's happening right now. We want TV to show more tennis in Russia. That's one of the goals."

The new world number two in men's tennis has a new look to go with his ranking, but Russian Daniil Medvedev is unsure of how long he will keep the moustache he's sporting at the Miami Open.

The new world number two in men's tennis has a new look to go with his ranking, but Russian Daniil Medvedev is unsure of how long he will keep the moustache he's sporting at the Miami Open. Medvedev replaced Rafa Nadal as No. 2 last week, becoming the first player outside the Spaniard, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray to be ranked in the top two since Lleyton Hewitt in July 2005. He arrived in Florida with his new moustache for the ATP Masters 1000 event, having been made top seed after No.1 Djokovic pulled out to spend more time with his family. "Last year in the beginning of the year I was doing a photo shoot and they were shaving me for the photo shoot, and they just left the moustache for a few minutes," Medvedev told reporters after Friday's win over Taiwan's Yen-Hsun Lu. "I was, like, 'it's not too bad'. It was a little bit different because they had special shavers and stuff. So I think it was looking better. Since that time I always thought, 'okay, one day I'm just going to do it for fun for one tournament or something like this'. "So probably after Miami I'm going to shave them off, but for this tournament it's going to be like this and let's see what people say." Last month Medvedev reached his second major final at the Australian Open on the back of a 20-match winning run that saw him pick up trophies at the Paris Masters, ATP Finals and team-based ATP Cup. After going down in straight sets to Djokovic in Melbourne, Medvedev suffered a shock loss at Rotterdam before winning his 10th Tour title in Marseille. Medvedev is 15-2 for the season and only fellow Russian Andrey Rublev, who is also at a career-best ranking of eighth, has more wins in 2021. "I think it's great for both of us that we are doing so good. Russian tennis is definitely on the rise right now, and I like it," Medvedev said. "We want people to talk more about tennis in Russia. That's what's happening right now. We want TV to show more tennis in Russia. That's one of the goals."

Daniil Medvedev says new moustache might not last beyond Miami

Russian ace Daniil Medvedev is set to become world no. 2 in Tennis rankings on Monday after the ATP confirmed this disrupter is about to make a big move.&nbsp;

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/djokovic-and-family-celebrate-in-belgrade-as-serb-sets-all-time-record-as-world-no-1-369081" hreflang="en">Djokovic and family celebrate in Belgrade as Serb sets all-time record as world No. 1</a>

He will become the first man other than Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray to be in the Top 2 since 2005. However, the Russian praised Serb ace Novak Djokovic, who eclipsed Roger Federer's record on March 8 when he moved past the Swiss to hold the top ranking for the 311th week.

"First of all, it's an unbelievable achievement," Medvedev said after reaching the semi-finals of the ATP 250 event in Marseille on Friday.

"I think in the world of tennis we talk about Grand Slams more than anything else. But this is also a small competition, I'm sure he's really happy about it. The way he's played, he's definitely capable of catching 400 weeks.

"We're going to try to not let him do this. I didn't manage to do anything in the Australian Open final, but that is what sport is about. Nobody is going to give him an easy pass, he's going to have to earn it."

The Russian player also praised Roger Federer, who returned to court this week after 13 months due to double knee surgeries and still was able to win the first match on return.&nbsp;

"I would definitely like to play Roger. He's one of the three best in tennis history, it's always great playing him," Medvedev said, adding "every time you step out on the court against the Big Three, it's a special feeling".

Russian ace Daniil Medvedev is set to become world no. 2 in Tennis rankings on Monday after the ATP confirmed this disrupter is about to make a big move. IN PICS| Djokovic and family celebrate in Belgrade as Serb sets all-time record as world No.

Russian ace Daniil Medvedev is set to become world no. 2 in Tennis rankings on Monday after the ATP confirmed this disrupter is about to make a big move. IN PICS| Djokovic and family celebrate in Belgrade as Serb sets all-time record as world No. 1 He will become the first man other than Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray to be in the Top 2 since 2005. However, the Russian praised Serb ace Novak Djokovic, who eclipsed Roger Federer's record on March 8 when he moved past the Swiss to hold the top ranking for the 311th week. "First of all, it's an unbelievable achievement," Medvedev said after reaching the semi-finals of the ATP 250 event in Marseille on Friday. "I think in the world of tennis we talk about Grand Slams more than anything else. But this is also a small competition, I'm sure he's really happy about it. The way he's played, he's definitely capable of catching 400 weeks. "We're going to try to not let him do this. I didn't manage to do anything in the Australian Open final, but that is what sport is about. Nobody is going to give him an easy pass, he's going to have to earn it." The Russian player also praised Roger Federer, who returned to court this week after 13 months due to double knee surgeries and still was able to win the first match on return. "I would definitely like to play Roger. He's one of the three best in tennis history, it's always great playing him," Medvedev said, adding "every time you step out on the court against the Big Three, it's a special feeling".

'Unbelievable achievement': Daniil Medvedev lauds Novak Djokovic on world no. 1 record

Confidence is king and Daniil Medvedev has plenty of it, with the affable Russian morphing into not just one of tennis's best players and premier athletes, but among the smartest.

Standing at a lanky 6ft 6in and pencil-thin, he has emerged at the forefront of the next wave looking to smash the 'Big Three' monopoly of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

After reaching the 2019 US Open final, where he lost to Nadal, he has worked hard on his game and fitness to race through the rankings and goes into Sunday's Australian Open final against Djokovic on a 20-match win streak, demonstrating his mental and physical stamina.

Enjoying a career-high ranking of four, he has come to terms with his immense potential.

Before his rise in 2019, he could let his emotions get in the way and never shied away from admitting he did not do everything as professionally as possible.&nbsp;

He competed hard and did his work on the practice court, but his diet and recovery routines were not what they should be, with the 25-year-old enjoying sweets and croissants.

And if a long match went late, he would often skip the ice bath.

"I thought it was going to be the best rest, to just lay on the bed and watch some TV. And in fact, it's not," he said last year.

But Medvedev, nicknamed Bear, has changed and it has paid dividends.

During his 20-match run, he has beaten every top-10 player except Federer, who has been out injured.

When informed of this, he replied: "It's great to know this. It's a pity that Roger is not playing," suggesting he was also confident of taking his scalp.

<h2>- Unlocked everything -</h2>

Medvedev is an intelligent man. He excelled in physics and maths at school, graduating early and enrolling at a university in his native Moscow to study applied economics and commerce.

He opted instead to play tennis full-time, moving to the south of France, where his sister lived, to benefit from its high-quality coaching and facilities.&nbsp;

Fluent in Russian and English, he is also often heard conversing in French with his coach, Gilles Cervara, who has helped steer him to where he is today.

Despite leaving university early, Medvedev remains a tactical thinker, or as commentator Jim Courier put it this week: "He's a master chess player on court".

Medvedev keeps opponents guessing with his flat and low groundstrokes, while changing up the pace and angles, blending impenetrable defence with opportunistic offence.&nbsp;

His semi-final opponent Stefanos Tsitsipas once called Medvedev's playing style "boring" but even the Greek star has been won over.

"Let me tell you that he's a player who has unlocked pretty much everything in the game," he said after crashing to him in straighht sets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"He tricks you. You know, he plays the game really smart. It's really interesting to see that."

While the Russian has refined his game, a key rule still applies and that is to "fight like crazy", a trait drilled him into by one of his first tennis coaches when he was still a small boy.

"Her golden rule was, 'The one who wins the match is the one who made more balls over the net', which is easy to understand," he said.&nbsp;

Confidence is king and Daniil Medvedev has plenty of it, with the affable Russian morphing into not just one of tennis's best players and premier athletes, but among the smartest.

Confidence is king and Daniil Medvedev has plenty of it, with the affable Russian morphing into not just one of tennis's best players and premier athletes, but among the smartest. Standing at a lanky 6ft 6in and pencil-thin, he has emerged at the forefront of the next wave looking to smash the 'Big Three' monopoly of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. After reaching the 2019 US Open final, where he lost to Nadal, he has worked hard on his game and fitness to race through the rankings and goes into Sunday's Australian Open final against Djokovic on a 20-match win streak, demonstrating his mental and physical stamina. Enjoying a career-high ranking of four, he has come to terms with his immense potential. Before his rise in 2019, he could let his emotions get in the way and never shied away from admitting he did not do everything as professionally as possible. He competed hard and did his work on the practice court, but his diet and recovery routines were not what they should be, with the 25-year-old enjoying sweets and croissants. And if a long match went late, he would often skip the ice bath. "I thought it was going to be the best rest, to just lay on the bed and watch some TV. And in fact, it's not," he said last year. But Medvedev, nicknamed Bear, has changed and it has paid dividends. During his 20-match run, he has beaten every top-10 player except Federer, who has been out injured. When informed of this, he replied: "It's great to know this. It's a pity that Roger is not playing," suggesting he was also confident of taking his scalp. - Unlocked everything - Medvedev is an intelligent man. He excelled in physics and maths at school, graduating early and enrolling at a university in his native Moscow to study applied economics and commerce. He opted instead to play tennis full-time, moving to the south of France, where his sister lived, to benefit from its high-quality coaching and facilities. Fluent in Russian and English, he is also often heard conversing in French with his coach, Gilles Cervara, who has helped steer him to where he is today. Despite leaving university early, Medvedev remains a tactical thinker, or as commentator Jim Courier put it this week: "He's a master chess player on court". Medvedev keeps opponents guessing with his flat and low groundstrokes, while changing up the pace and angles, blending impenetrable defence with opportunistic offence. His semi-final opponent Stefanos Tsitsipas once called Medvedev's playing style "boring" but even the Greek star has been won over. "Let me tell you that he's a player who has unlocked pretty much everything in the game," he said after crashing to him in straighht sets. "He tricks you. You know, he plays the game really smart. It's really interesting to see that." While the Russian has refined his game, a key rule still applies and that is to "fight like crazy", a trait drilled him into by one of his first tennis coaches when he was still a small boy. "Her golden rule was, 'The one who wins the match is the one who made more balls over the net', which is easy to understand," he said.

'He tricks you' - 'chess player' Medvedev keeps opponents in check

Daniil Medvedev on Friday defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 to book a spot in the final of the Australian Open 2021, where the 25-year-old will face world number one Novak Djokovic. Medvedev has been in terrific form and capped it off with his 20th consecutive match, and 11th against top 10 player, as he defeated Tsitsipas. The final of the Australian Open 2021 will be Medvedev's second Grand Slam final with his maiden summit appearance coming at the 2019 US Open.

Medvedev, fourth-seeded, continued to hammer serves until it was broken in the third set as Greek fans roared back to life following Tsitsipas's 5-4 lead. However, the Russian stunned the crowd with a decisive break in the 11th game before sealing the match as he&nbsp;rushed forward on match point to whack a booming forehand into the corner.

To finally get over the line he must on Sunday beat top seed Djokovic, who has won all eight finals he has played at Melbourne Park.

"It definitely wasn't easy,"&nbsp;said Medvedev, only the third Russian after Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin to reach the Australian Open final.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/points-confidence-prize-money-karatsev-fairy-tale-has-happy-ending-364620" hreflang="en">Points, confidence, prize money: Karatsev fairy-tale has happy ending</a>

"I got a little bit scared and tight (in the third set) because it's a semi-final of a Slam... but happy I was able to turn my game on, especially in some tight moments on my serve."

Medvedev took charge of long rallies as Tsitsipas fought hard for every point. He was broken again after a seven-minute marathon game when the Russian smashed a sizzling forehand down the line for a 2-1 second-set advantage.

For the first time in the match, Medvedev was under pressure but held his nerve with a glorious passing shot giving him another break for 6-5 before he calmly served out to win. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/peerless-djokovic-ends-karatsev-dream-to-reach-australian-open-final-364530" hreflang="en">Peerless Djokovic ends Karatsev dream to reach Australian Open final</a>

(With AFP inputs)

Daniil Medvedev on Friday defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 to book a spot in the final of the Australian Open 2021, where the 25-year-old will face world number one Novak Djokovic.

Daniil Medvedev on Friday defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 to book a spot in the final of the Australian Open 2021, where the 25-year-old will face world number one Novak Djokovic. Medvedev has been in terrific form and capped it off with his 20th consecutive match, and 11th against top 10 player, as he defeated Tsitsipas. The final of the Australian Open 2021 will be Medvedev's second Grand Slam final with his maiden summit appearance coming at the 2019 US Open. Medvedev, fourth-seeded, continued to hammer serves until it was broken in the third set as Greek fans roared back to life following Tsitsipas's 5-4 lead. However, the Russian stunned the crowd with a decisive break in the 11th game before sealing the match as he rushed forward on match point to whack a booming forehand into the corner. To finally get over the line he must on Sunday beat top seed Djokovic, who has won all eight finals he has played at Melbourne Park. "It definitely wasn't easy," said Medvedev, only the third Russian after Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin to reach the Australian Open final. ALSO READ: Points, confidence, prize money: Karatsev fairy-tale has happy ending "I got a little bit scared and tight (in the third set) because it's a semi-final of a Slam... but happy I was able to turn my game on, especially in some tight moments on my serve." Medvedev took charge of long rallies as Tsitsipas fought hard for every point. He was broken again after a seven-minute marathon game when the Russian smashed a sizzling forehand down the line for a 2-1 second-set advantage. For the first time in the match, Medvedev was under pressure but held his nerve with a glorious passing shot giving him another break for 6-5 before he calmly served out to win. ALSO READ: Peerless Djokovic ends Karatsev dream to reach Australian Open final (With AFP inputs)

Daniil Medvedev beats Stefanos Tsitsipas to book Australian Open final spot against Novak Djokovic

Russian Daniil Medvedev secured a spot in the Australian Open semi-finals with a 7-5 6-3 6-2 victory over friend and compatriot Andrey Rublev on Wednesday, extending his winning streak to 19 matches. 
 
It was Rublev`s fourth straight defeat to Medvedev, who has not lost a match since October. 
 
Fourth seed Medvedev had won all his previous matches against Rublev in straight sets and it was no different at a scorching Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday. 
 
"Super tough, if you come to Australia and it`s 40 each day, it`s tough but you get used to it but we`ve had a couple of days when it was 20 degrees," Medvedev said in an on-court interview, after receiving a massage on his left thigh following the win. 
 
"We had some unbelievable rallies, I`m one of the first players to make Andrey so tired... It`s hard to play (a friend) but we`re all so competitive, just need to win, get to that Grand Slam semi-final. 
 
"That was one of my best matches ... I beat him in three sets not even with a tiebreak so I`m really happy." 
 
ATP Finals winner Medvedev raised his game during the important points and sealed the contest with a forehand winner to set up a last-four meeting against either second-seeded Spaniard Rafa Nadal or fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece. 
 
Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev will meet world number one Novak Djokovic in the other semi-final on Thursday, with the prospect of an all-Russian men`s final looming on Sunday. 
 
"It`s unbelievable, I`m so happy for Aslan, he`s made history. I don`t know what he did in the pandemic, probably just worked hard I guess," Medvedev said of 114th-ranked Karatsev, who at 27 is in his debut Grand Slam main draw campaign. 
 
"If we have an all-Russian final, it`s going to be a dream come true, but we both have tough matches. It`s so good for Russian tennis."

Russian Daniil Medvedev secured a spot in the Australian Open semi-finals with a 7-5 6-3 6-2 victory over friend and compatriot Andrey Rublev on Wednesday, extending his winning streak to 19 matches.

Russian Daniil Medvedev secured a spot in the Australian Open semi-finals with a 7-5 6-3 6-2 victory over friend and compatriot Andrey Rublev on Wednesday, extending his winning streak to 19 matches. It was Rublev`s fourth straight defeat to Medvedev, who has not lost a match since October. Fourth seed Medvedev had won all his previous matches against Rublev in straight sets and it was no different at a scorching Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday. "Super tough, if you come to Australia and it`s 40 each day, it`s tough but you get used to it but we`ve had a couple of days when it was 20 degrees," Medvedev said in an on-court interview, after receiving a massage on his left thigh following the win. "We had some unbelievable rallies, I`m one of the first players to make Andrey so tired... It`s hard to play (a friend) but we`re all so competitive, just need to win, get to that Grand Slam semi-final. "That was one of my best matches ... I beat him in three sets not even with a tiebreak so I`m really happy." ATP Finals winner Medvedev raised his game during the important points and sealed the contest with a forehand winner to set up a last-four meeting against either second-seeded Spaniard Rafa Nadal or fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece. Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev will meet world number one Novak Djokovic in the other semi-final on Thursday, with the prospect of an all-Russian men`s final looming on Sunday. "It`s unbelievable, I`m so happy for Aslan, he`s made history. I don`t know what he did in the pandemic, probably just worked hard I guess," Medvedev said of 114th-ranked Karatsev, who at 27 is in his debut Grand Slam main draw campaign. "If we have an all-Russian final, it`s going to be a dream come true, but we both have tough matches. It`s so good for Russian tennis."

Australian Open: Medvedev beats compatriot Rublev to reach semis

Fourth-seed Daniil Medvedev extended his win streak to 18 matches Monday when he took just 89 minutes to blow away Mackenzie McDonald 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 and reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.

The world number 192 from the United States&nbsp;broke the Russian's serve at 5-2 down in the first set but that was his only highlight.

"It was a great match," said Medvedev. "I was feeling great, I mean the only time I lost serve was in the first set."

Medvedev is into his first quarter-final at the Australian Open where he will play either countryman and ATP Cup-winning team-mate Andrey Rublev or Norway's Casper Rudd who play later Monday.

"I'm going to be rooting for Andrey because if he wins it's got to be at least one Russian in the semi-final," said Medvedev.

"Casper is a great opponent so I'm going to watch the match, enjoy it, and then prepare for my next opponent."

Medvedev's best Grand Slam performance to date was reaching the final at the 2019 US Open.

His win streak dates back to November and included titles at the Paris 1000, the ATP Finals in London and the ATP Cup.

Fourth-seed Daniil Medvedev extended his win streak to 18 matches Monday when he took just 89 minutes to blow away Mackenzie McDonald 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 and reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.

Fourth-seed Daniil Medvedev extended his win streak to 18 matches Monday when he took just 89 minutes to blow away Mackenzie McDonald 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 and reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open. The world number 192 from the United States broke the Russian's serve at 5-2 down in the first set but that was his only highlight. "It was a great match," said Medvedev. "I was feeling great, I mean the only time I lost serve was in the first set." Medvedev is into his first quarter-final at the Australian Open where he will play either countryman and ATP Cup-winning team-mate Andrey Rublev or Norway's Casper Rudd who play later Monday. "I'm going to be rooting for Andrey because if he wins it's got to be at least one Russian in the semi-final," said Medvedev. "Casper is a great opponent so I'm going to watch the match, enjoy it, and then prepare for my next opponent." Medvedev's best Grand Slam performance to date was reaching the final at the 2019 US Open. His win streak dates back to November and included titles at the Paris 1000, the ATP Finals in London and the ATP Cup.

Medvedev into Open quarters as he extends streak to 18

Birthday boy Daniil Medvedev added another win to his red-hot streak Thursday as the Russian fourth seed demolished Roberto Carballes Baena to ease into the Australian Open third round.

Medvedev, who turned 25 on Thursday, powered past the Spaniard 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 on John Cain Arena for his 16th straight win dating back to November.

Along the way, the world number four has won the Paris 1000, the ATP Finals in London and the ATP Cup with Russia in the lead-up to the opening Grand Slam of the year.

"Sometimes in tennis, as in other sport, you just have the momentum and feel like you can do a lot of things," he said of his blistering form.&nbsp;

"Once you lose it it's tougher, so I'm just trying to keep it as much as possible.

"So far it has been working and hoping it won't stop for a long time."&nbsp;

He will next play Serbian 28th seed Filip Krajinovic, who eased past Spain's Pablo Andujar in four sets.

Medvedev's sizzling form makes him a serious contender to claim a maiden Grand Slam title and he was in fine touch against Carballes Baena, ranked 99.

He quickly took charge, returning well and dominating at the baseline and net to comfortably take he opening set.

The Russian was pressed harder in the second but that was as good as it got for Carballes Baena, who lost focus and was punished by a man at the top of his game.

Medvedev is bidding not only for a maiden Grand Slam title but to become only the third Russian man to win a major after Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin.

He has been knocking on the door for some time, reaching the 2019 US Open final -- where he lost in five sets to Rafael Nadal -- and the last four in New York in 2020.

But he has yet to go beyond the round of 16 at Melbourne Park.

Birthday boy Daniil Medvedev added another win to his red-hot streak Thursday as the Russian fourth seed demolished Roberto Carballes Baena to ease into the Australian Open third round.

Birthday boy Daniil Medvedev added another win to his red-hot streak Thursday as the Russian fourth seed demolished Roberto Carballes Baena to ease into the Australian Open third round. Medvedev, who turned 25 on Thursday, powered past the Spaniard 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 on John Cain Arena for his 16th straight win dating back to November. Along the way, the world number four has won the Paris 1000, the ATP Finals in London and the ATP Cup with Russia in the lead-up to the opening Grand Slam of the year. "Sometimes in tennis, as in other sport, you just have the momentum and feel like you can do a lot of things," he said of his blistering form. "Once you lose it it's tougher, so I'm just trying to keep it as much as possible. "So far it has been working and hoping it won't stop for a long time." He will next play Serbian 28th seed Filip Krajinovic, who eased past Spain's Pablo Andujar in four sets. Medvedev's sizzling form makes him a serious contender to claim a maiden Grand Slam title and he was in fine touch against Carballes Baena, ranked 99. He quickly took charge, returning well and dominating at the baseline and net to comfortably take he opening set. The Russian was pressed harder in the second but that was as good as it got for Carballes Baena, who lost focus and was punished by a man at the top of his game. Medvedev is bidding not only for a maiden Grand Slam title but to become only the third Russian man to win a major after Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin. He has been knocking on the door for some time, reaching the 2019 US Open final -- where he lost in five sets to Rafael Nadal -- and the last four in New York in 2020. But he has yet to go beyond the round of 16 at Melbourne Park.

Medvedev celebrates birthday with 16th straight win

Daniil Medvedev came from behind to beat US Open champion Dominic Thiem in a gripping encounter and win the biggest title of his career at the ATP Finals in London on Sunday.

The Russian fourth seed was second best for large periods at the empty O2 Arena but found a way back into the contest and prevailed 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4.

Medvedev, who beat five-time champion Novak Djokovic and world number two Rafael Nadal earlier in the week, is the first man to beat all three of the world's top-ranked players at the season finale.

The giant Russian, 24, has now won 10 consecutive matches following his title earlier this month at the Paris Masters and his victory will taste sweet a year after a winless debut in London.

But it is a painful defeat for Thiem, who also lost in the final of the elite eight-man event last year, to Stefanos Tsitsipas.

"What a match," said Medvedev. "One of my best victories, two hours and 42 minutes, three sets against an amazing player.

"Dominic, congratulations already for what you achieved in your career. Your name is already in the history of tennis books.&nbsp;

"It is amazing. You won a Grand Slam this year. You are playing unbelievable. I hope we are going to have many more matches to come on the big occasions like this."

&nbsp;

<h2>- Thiem pressure -</h2>

&nbsp;

Thiem weathered early pressure from Medvedev and secured the first break of the match in the fifth game, when the Russian served a double fault.

He sealed the set in fortunate fashion when his forehand clipped the net and looped over Medvedev's racket.

Medvedev, who came from a set down against Nadal in Saturday's last-four contest, made a solid start to the second set.

But Thiem held to love in the fourth game, looking comfortable as the giant Russian sought a way back into the match.

The 27-year-old third seed had chances to earn a potentially decisive break but they slipped by and he yelled in frustration as he squandered his opportunities.

The Austrian took a tumble onto the blue court at the start of the eighth game and found himself break point down but toughed it out, with Medvedev looking stronger as the set wore on.

The second set went to a tie-break. Having recovered from 0-4 to win the deciding tie-break against Djokovic on Saturday, Thiem got a taste of his own medicine as Medvedev turned a 2-0 deficit into a 7-2 victory.

The Austrian appeared to be struggling to cope with the punishing pace in the third set and Medvedev did not give him the rhythm to get his big groundstrokes flowing.

He finally cracked in the fifth game, when the Russian produced a volley at the net to break.

Thiem remained under pressure and had to battle hard to avoid going down another break.

But all Medvedev now had to do was keep his nerve. He did so as he served out for victory.

"Of course, I am disappointed, but at the same time I am also proud of the performance of all the week," said Thiem. "Daniil really deserved it. It was an amazing match."

Medvedev is the first Russian to win the ATP Finals since 2009, when Nikolay Davydenko triumphed at the first edition of the season finale held in London. Next year, the tournament moves to Turin in Italy.

Daniil Medvedev came from behind to beat US Open champion Dominic Thiem in a gripping encounter and win the biggest title of his career at the ATP Finals in London on Sunday.

Daniil Medvedev came from behind to beat US Open champion Dominic Thiem in a gripping encounter and win the biggest title of his career at the ATP Finals in London on Sunday. The Russian fourth seed was second best for large periods at the empty O2 Arena but found a way back into the contest and prevailed 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4. Medvedev, who beat five-time champion Novak Djokovic and world number two Rafael Nadal earlier in the week, is the first man to beat all three of the world's top-ranked players at the season finale. The giant Russian, 24, has now won 10 consecutive matches following his title earlier this month at the Paris Masters and his victory will taste sweet a year after a winless debut in London. But it is a painful defeat for Thiem, who also lost in the final of the elite eight-man event last year, to Stefanos Tsitsipas. "What a match," said Medvedev. "One of my best victories, two hours and 42 minutes, three sets against an amazing player. "Dominic, congratulations already for what you achieved in your career. Your name is already in the history of tennis books. "It is amazing. You won a Grand Slam this year. You are playing unbelievable. I hope we are going to have many more matches to come on the big occasions like this." - Thiem pressure - Thiem weathered early pressure from Medvedev and secured the first break of the match in the fifth game, when the Russian served a double fault. He sealed the set in fortunate fashion when his forehand clipped the net and looped over Medvedev's racket. Medvedev, who came from a set down against Nadal in Saturday's last-four contest, made a solid start to the second set. But Thiem held to love in the fourth game, looking comfortable as the giant Russian sought a way back into the match. The 27-year-old third seed had chances to earn a potentially decisive break but they slipped by and he yelled in frustration as he squandered his opportunities. The Austrian took a tumble onto the blue court at the start of the eighth game and found himself break point down but toughed it out, with Medvedev looking stronger as the set wore on. The second set went to a tie-break. Having recovered from 0-4 to win the deciding tie-break against Djokovic on Saturday, Thiem got a taste of his own medicine as Medvedev turned a 2-0 deficit into a 7-2 victory. The Austrian appeared to be struggling to cope with the punishing pace in the third set and Medvedev did not give him the rhythm to get his big groundstrokes flowing. He finally cracked in the fifth game, when the Russian produced a volley at the net to break. Thiem remained under pressure and had to battle hard to avoid going down another break. But all Medvedev now had to do was keep his nerve. He did so as he served out for victory. "Of course, I am disappointed, but at the same time I am also proud of the performance of all the week," said Thiem. "Daniil really deserved it. It was an amazing match." Medvedev is the first Russian to win the ATP Finals since 2009, when Nikolay Davydenko triumphed at the first edition of the season finale held in London. Next year, the tournament moves to Turin in Italy.

Medvedev beats Thiem to win ATP Finals title

Rafael Nadal's dream of winning the ATP Finals title ended as the Spanish ace was beaten by Russia's Daniil Medvedev 3-6 7-6(4) 6-3 in a thrilling semi-final clash on Saturday.

Rafael Nadal's dream of winning the ATP Finals title ended as the Spanish ace was beaten by Russia's Daniil Medvedev 3-6 7-6(4) 6-3 in a thrilling semi-final clash on Saturday. Also read: Novak Djokovic reaches ATP Finals semis, Rafael Nadal showdown still on This is Medvedev's first career win against 20 time Grand Slam-winner Nadal. The Russian will now face Austrian Dominic Theim who defeated world no. 1 Djokovic. Medvedev enters the finals as the favourite because he is the only player to maintain a 100 per cent win record in his group. The Russian also defeated Djokovic. Medvedev was off to a good start but Nadal came from behind to win the opening set. However, The Russian was too good for the Spaniard. In the second set, Nadal tried to swing his way back to the match but the Russian managed to break to love. A flukey forehand winner helped Medvedev move 5-3 ahead in the tiebreaker and he took full advantage to set up a decider. Nadal appeared to be feeling the pace in a tense final set and some sensational winners allowed Medvedev to grab the crucial break of serve in the seventh game. Two games later Nadal dumped a backhand in the net to hand Medvedev a landmark victory. (Inputs from Reuters)

ATP Finals: Daniil Medvedev beats Rafael Nadal in a thrilling semi-finals clash

Daniil Medvedev shocked Novak Djokovic in straight sets to book a place in the last four at the ATP Finals on Wednesday as former champion Alexander Zverev got his campaign up and running.

The Russian fourth seed went toe to toe with the world number one, winning 6-3, 6-3 in an absorbing, energy-sapping contest at London's empty O2 Arena.

Earlier, German fifth seed Zverev beat Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, bouncing back from defeat to Medvedev in his opening Group Tokyo 1970 match.

Top seed Djokovic is seeking to match the record of six-time winner Roger Federer, who is absent from the season-ending tournament with an injury.

But Medvedev, who won the Paris Masters last week, beat Djokovic at his own game, grinding him down in a near-flawless defensive display.

The giant Russian earned a clutch of early break points and eventually made one count in the seventh game, which lasted 11 gruelling minutes.

The 24-year-old held serve easily in the next game and seized the opening set 6-3 when a rattled Djokovic double-faulted.

An increasingly confident Medvedev broke the 17-time Grand Slam champion again at the start of the second set to win his sixth game in a row in the round-robin match.

Djokovic stopped the rot on his own serve but was able to force just one break point, which he could not convert.

The victory takes Medvedev through to the semi-finals but five-time winner Djokovic still has a chance to progress in a shootout with Zverev on Friday.

"Always I like to pay Novak, first of all because he's one of the greatest champions in the history of our sport and when I was eight years old I was already watching him on TV winning Grand Slams," said Medvedev.

"He was still young -- so it was always a dream come true to play against him."

"I was serving good and playing safe enough in the most important moments and that's why I got the win," added the Russian, who lost all three of his matches on his debut last year.

<h2>- Zverev win -</h2>

Zverev, the 2018 champion, looked out of sorts in his straight-sets defeat against Medvedev on Monday and again struggled to find early rhythm in the early match in London.

The big-serving German was broken by Schwartzman in the third game but turned the tables with two breaks of his own to take the set.

Zverev who stands 28 centimetres (11 inches) taller than Schwartzman, appeared to be in control in the second set but stumbled twice on serve as his 28-year-old opponent levelled the match.

The momentum appeared to be with the Argentine but the match changed direction again in the fifth game of the decider when Zverev broke with a fine backhand volley, repeating the feat to seal the win.

"I'm excited for Friday," said Zverev. "Friday's going to be the most difficult match-up that you can have here, against Novak."

The German, who has won two titles in the coronavirus-truncated 2020 season, beat Djokovic in the final in London two years ago but is yet to win a Grand Slam.

Dominic Thiem is in charge of Group London 2020 after beating second seed Rafael Nadal on Tuesday to make it two wins out of two.

Daniil Medvedev shocked Novak Djokovic in straight sets to book a place in the last four at the ATP Finals on Wednesday as former champion Alexander Zverev got his campaign up and running.

Daniil Medvedev shocked Novak Djokovic in straight sets to book a place in the last four at the ATP Finals on Wednesday as former champion Alexander Zverev got his campaign up and running. The Russian fourth seed went toe to toe with the world number one, winning 6-3, 6-3 in an absorbing, energy-sapping contest at London's empty O2 Arena. Earlier, German fifth seed Zverev beat Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, bouncing back from defeat to Medvedev in his opening Group Tokyo 1970 match. Top seed Djokovic is seeking to match the record of six-time winner Roger Federer, who is absent from the season-ending tournament with an injury. But Medvedev, who won the Paris Masters last week, beat Djokovic at his own game, grinding him down in a near-flawless defensive display. The giant Russian earned a clutch of early break points and eventually made one count in the seventh game, which lasted 11 gruelling minutes. The 24-year-old held serve easily in the next game and seized the opening set 6-3 when a rattled Djokovic double-faulted. An increasingly confident Medvedev broke the 17-time Grand Slam champion again at the start of the second set to win his sixth game in a row in the round-robin match. Djokovic stopped the rot on his own serve but was able to force just one break point, which he could not convert. The victory takes Medvedev through to the semi-finals but five-time winner Djokovic still has a chance to progress in a shootout with Zverev on Friday. "Always I like to pay Novak, first of all because he's one of the greatest champions in the history of our sport and when I was eight years old I was already watching him on TV winning Grand Slams," said Medvedev. "He was still young -- so it was always a dream come true to play against him." "I was serving good and playing safe enough in the most important moments and that's why I got the win," added the Russian, who lost all three of his matches on his debut last year. - Zverev win - Zverev, the 2018 champion, looked out of sorts in his straight-sets defeat against Medvedev on Monday and again struggled to find early rhythm in the early match in London. The big-serving German was broken by Schwartzman in the third game but turned the tables with two breaks of his own to take the set. Zverev who stands 28 centimetres (11 inches) taller than Schwartzman, appeared to be in control in the second set but stumbled twice on serve as his 28-year-old opponent levelled the match. The momentum appeared to be with the Argentine but the match changed direction again in the fifth game of the decider when Zverev broke with a fine backhand volley, repeating the feat to seal the win. "I'm excited for Friday," said Zverev. "Friday's going to be the most difficult match-up that you can have here, against Novak." The German, who has won two titles in the coronavirus-truncated 2020 season, beat Djokovic in the final in London two years ago but is yet to win a Grand Slam. Dominic Thiem is in charge of Group London 2020 after beating second seed Rafael Nadal on Tuesday to make it two wins out of two.

Medvedev destroys Djokovic at ATP Finals as Zverev bounces back

Russia's Daniil Medvedev defeated German ace Alexander Zverev 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 on Sunday to win the Paris Masters making it his eighth career title and third at a Masters event.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-joins-elite-list-after-completing-1000-career-wins-340781">Rafael Nadal joins elite list after completing 1000 career wins</a>

This is Medvedev's second win against Zverev in seven matches, and his previous victory against the imposing German was also in a Masters final last year in Shanghai.

"I'm sure we'll play many more matches together. We've known each other since we were 10, it's great the journey we're having," Zverev said. "I hope I can do even better next year."

This is Medvedev's first final and title in 2020, whereas, Zverev was playing his third final after winning back-to-back tournaments in Cologne, Germany.

Both players may&nbsp;face each other again at the season-ending ATP Finals in London from November 15-22.

"At the end of the second set I was tired. I was dead. The third set was always going to be very difficult for me," Zverev said. "Once you get a little bit tired against him, he wears you down. He wears you down even more. He makes you run, he makes you move. He’s very composed."

"We will see how it goes with London. I’m happy with my tennis," Zverev said. "I just need to maybe recover a little bit physically."

Russia's Daniil Medvedev defeated German ace Alexander Zverev 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 on Sunday to win the Paris Masters making it his eighth career title and third at a Masters event.

Russia's Daniil Medvedev defeated German ace Alexander Zverev 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 on Sunday to win the Paris Masters making it his eighth career title and third at a Masters event. Also read: Rafael Nadal joins elite list after completing 1000 career wins This is Medvedev's second win against Zverev in seven matches, and his previous victory against the imposing German was also in a Masters final last year in Shanghai. "I'm sure we'll play many more matches together. We've known each other since we were 10, it's great the journey we're having," Zverev said. "I hope I can do even better next year." This is Medvedev's first final and title in 2020, whereas, Zverev was playing his third final after winning back-to-back tournaments in Cologne, Germany. Both players may face each other again at the season-ending ATP Finals in London from November 15-22. "At the end of the second set I was tired. I was dead. The third set was always going to be very difficult for me," Zverev said. "Once you get a little bit tired against him, he wears you down. He wears you down even more. He makes you run, he makes you move. He’s very composed." "We will see how it goes with London. I’m happy with my tennis," Zverev said. "I just need to maybe recover a little bit physically."

Daniil Medvedev beats Alexander Zverev to win his first Paris Masters final

Serena Williams battled into the quarter-finals of the US Open on Monday as top men's seeds Dominic Thiem and Daniil Medvedev sailed through to the last eight at Flushing Meadows.

After Williams kept her bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title alive, second seed Sofia Kenin was sent crashing out in the last 16 by Belgium's Elise Mertens.

Williams had to summon up every last ounce of strength to depose 15th seed Maria Sakkari in three hard-fought sets.

The 38-year-old American needed almost two and a half hours to dislodge her 25-year-old Greek opponent 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3 inside an empty Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

"She's such a good competitor. It was a really intense match," said Williams, who had been dumped out of a US Open tuneup tournament by the same opponent last month.

"I felt like she almost played better today. I was a little fatigued last time and had some cramps. Just felt like I was able to compete longer," Williams added.

There was little separating the players throughout the energy-sapping contest, with Williams notching 107 total points to Sakkari's 99.

Williams won 72 percent of points off her first serve while Sakkari won 73 percent. Sakkari also outdid Williams on aces, by 13 to 12.

Williams rallied from two games down in the deciding set, pumping herself up with loud screams that echoed around the spectator-free arena as she broke Sakkari twice to clinch the last-eight spot.&nbsp;

"I'm super passionate. This is my job. This is what I wake up to do. This is what I train to do 365 days of the year," Williams said afterwards.

The American will play Tsvetana Pironkova for a place in the semi-finals after the Bulgarian ousted France's Alize Cornet in another draining three-setter.

<h2>- 'Absolutely unreal' -</h2>

Pironkova, playing her first tournament in three years after a lengthy break in which she gave birth to her son, prevailed 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 at the Louis Armstrong Stadium.

"It's absolutely unreal, I really can't believe it," said Pironkova, whose last tournament appearance before this year's US Open was the 2017 Wimbledon championships when she exited in the second round.

Mertens ousted Kenin, this year's Australian Open champion, 6-3, 6-3 in 1hr 14 mins to set up a last-eight tie with former world number one Victoria Azarenka.

The Belarusian overcame 20th seed Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 in 2hr 30min at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

In the men's draw, second-seeded Thiem raced into the round of eight with a three-set demolition of Canadian rising star Felix Auger-Aliassime.&nbsp;

Thiem dismantled the 20-year-old 15th seed 7-6 (7/4), 6-1, 6-1 in 2hr 7min.

"I played a great match today, the best one from my whole America trip," said Thiem.

He will play Australia's 21st seed Alex de Minaur for a spot in the semi-finals after the Australian breezed past unseeded Canadian Vasek Pospisil 7-6 (8/6), 6-3, 6-2, in 2hr 17 min.

Third seed Medvedev blew away unseeded American France Tiafoe 6-4, 6-1, 6-0 in only 1hr 38 min.

"I'm pleased with the fact that I've won all of these sets and didn't have to stay long on the court. That's always good when you're playing a Grand Slam," said the Russian.

Medvedev will face compatriot Andrey Rublev for a spot in the last four after the 10th seed ousted Italy's sixth seed Matteo Berrettini 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.

The men's competition was blown wide open on Sunday after world number one Novak Djokovic was thrown out for accidentally hitting a line judge after smashing a ball in frustration during his last-16 match.

His departure means the US Open will this year produce a first-time Grand Slam winner in the men's competition.

Williams is seeking to equal Margaret Court's record for the most women's Grand Slam singles titles.

A tournament victory at the weekend would also see her break away from Chris Evert, on six titles, as the most decorated US Open champion of the women's game in the modern era.

Serena Williams battled into the quarter-finals of the US Open on Monday as top men's seeds Dominic Thiem and Daniil Medvedev sailed through to the last eight at Flushing Meadows.

Serena Williams battled into the quarter-finals of the US Open on Monday as top men's seeds Dominic Thiem and Daniil Medvedev sailed through to the last eight at Flushing Meadows. After Williams kept her bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title alive, second seed Sofia Kenin was sent crashing out in the last 16 by Belgium's Elise Mertens. Williams had to summon up every last ounce of strength to depose 15th seed Maria Sakkari in three hard-fought sets. The 38-year-old American needed almost two and a half hours to dislodge her 25-year-old Greek opponent 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3 inside an empty Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. "She's such a good competitor. It was a really intense match," said Williams, who had been dumped out of a US Open tuneup tournament by the same opponent last month. "I felt like she almost played better today. I was a little fatigued last time and had some cramps. Just felt like I was able to compete longer," Williams added. There was little separating the players throughout the energy-sapping contest, with Williams notching 107 total points to Sakkari's 99. Williams won 72 percent of points off her first serve while Sakkari won 73 percent. Sakkari also outdid Williams on aces, by 13 to 12. Williams rallied from two games down in the deciding set, pumping herself up with loud screams that echoed around the spectator-free arena as she broke Sakkari twice to clinch the last-eight spot. "I'm super passionate. This is my job. This is what I wake up to do. This is what I train to do 365 days of the year," Williams said afterwards. The American will play Tsvetana Pironkova for a place in the semi-finals after the Bulgarian ousted France's Alize Cornet in another draining three-setter. - 'Absolutely unreal' - Pironkova, playing her first tournament in three years after a lengthy break in which she gave birth to her son, prevailed 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 at the Louis Armstrong Stadium. "It's absolutely unreal, I really can't believe it," said Pironkova, whose last tournament appearance before this year's US Open was the 2017 Wimbledon championships when she exited in the second round. Mertens ousted Kenin, this year's Australian Open champion, 6-3, 6-3 in 1hr 14 mins to set up a last-eight tie with former world number one Victoria Azarenka. The Belarusian overcame 20th seed Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 in 2hr 30min at Louis Armstrong Stadium. In the men's draw, second-seeded Thiem raced into the round of eight with a three-set demolition of Canadian rising star Felix Auger-Aliassime. Thiem dismantled the 20-year-old 15th seed 7-6 (7/4), 6-1, 6-1 in 2hr 7min. "I played a great match today, the best one from my whole America trip," said Thiem. He will play Australia's 21st seed Alex de Minaur for a spot in the semi-finals after the Australian breezed past unseeded Canadian Vasek Pospisil 7-6 (8/6), 6-3, 6-2, in 2hr 17 min. Third seed Medvedev blew away unseeded American France Tiafoe 6-4, 6-1, 6-0 in only 1hr 38 min. "I'm pleased with the fact that I've won all of these sets and didn't have to stay long on the court. That's always good when you're playing a Grand Slam," said the Russian. Medvedev will face compatriot Andrey Rublev for a spot in the last four after the 10th seed ousted Italy's sixth seed Matteo Berrettini 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. The men's competition was blown wide open on Sunday after world number one Novak Djokovic was thrown out for accidentally hitting a line judge after smashing a ball in frustration during his last-16 match. His departure means the US Open will this year produce a first-time Grand Slam winner in the men's competition. Williams is seeking to equal Margaret Court's record for the most women's Grand Slam singles titles. A tournament victory at the weekend would also see her break away from Chris Evert, on six titles, as the most decorated US Open champion of the women's game in the modern era.

Serena battles into US Open quarters as Thiem, Medvedev march on

Rafael Nadal produced an incredible fightback to beat Russian Daniil Medvedev and keep his&nbsp;ATP&nbsp;Finals&nbsp;hopes alive on Wednesday, saving a match point at 1-5 down in the decider before winning 6-7(3) 6-3 7-6(4).

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-once-again-claims-no-1-spot-in-rankings-novak-djokovic-slips-259888">world number one</a> will require a victory over in-form Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas on Friday to have a chance of reaching the semi-finals. Tsitsipas, 21, is definitely there though after thrashing Alexander Zverev 6-3 6-2 in the evening match.

Nadal looked beaten as 23-year-old debutant Medvedev broke serve twice in the decider to stand on the brink of a first career victory over the Spaniard he pushed to five sets in an epic US&nbsp;Open final in September.

For once world number one Nadal's trademark fighting spirit seemed to have ebbed away but he saved a match point at 1-5 with a superb drop shot and was suddenly re-energised.

Twice Medvedev served for the match, at 5-2 and 5-4, but he tightened up and world number one Nadal, roared on by the 02 Arena crowd, needed no second invitation to take advantage.

Nadal has never won the&nbsp;ATP&nbsp;Finals&nbsp;title, the only gap on a CV that includes 19 Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold.

He was beaten by German defending champion Zverev for the first time on Monday in his opening round-robin match and defeat by Medvedev, who he had also never lost to before, would have left him on the brink of elimination.

After an astonishing recovery, however, he will go into his final group game against Tsitsipas with everything to play for as he bids to not only win the title for the first time but also seal the year-end world number one ranking.

Nadal arrived in London with concerns over an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-rafael-nadal-to-travel-to-atp-finals-despite-injury-260225">abdominal injury</a>, but even when not at his sharpest he remains one of the hardest players on Tour to finish off.

"Honestly I've been super lucky," he said on court. "For Daniil it's a tough loss. He was playing much better than me in the third set of course but it was one of these days when you have a one in a thousand chance to win."

The deceptively powerful Medvedev dropped only six points on serve in the opening set and comfortably bagged the tiebreak.

His focus dipped at the start of the second though, allowing Nadal a quick break and when the Spaniard broke again to take the set it seemed the momentum was with him.

Medvedev played superbly in the deciding set though,&nbsp;until 5-1. A dreadful Nadal backhand slice gave the Russian a first break and when he chased down a drop shot to flick a winner past Nadal on his way to a 4-0 lead he was in command.

But from 1-5 down Nadal reeled off five straight games and when Medvedev trailed 0-30 at 5-6 he seemed to be a spent force.

Medvedev regained his composure in the nick of time to hold serve with an ace and looked dangerous again in the tiebreak.

But he missed an easy forehand at 4-5 to give Nadal two match points and then a backhand went agonisingly wide to hand the Spaniard one of the most remarkable wins of his career.

"Rafa could say, okay, it's over at 5-1 and just give me the point, but we all know Rafa is not about this," Medvedev said.

The maths of the group means a straight-sets win for Medvedev over Zverev could see him progress to the semis.

Nadal's tournament fate is not in his own hands though. He must beat Tsitsipas and hope that Medvedev beats Zverev.

Even if he does not reach the semis, Nadal tightened his grip on the number one ranking as Novak Djokovic now must win the title to have a chance of overtaking him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-rafael-nadal-to-travel-to-atp-finals-despite-injury-260225">Djokovic faces Roger Federer</a> on Thursday in a must-win match for both players.

Rafael Nadal produced an incredible fightback to beat Russian Daniil Medvedev and keep his ATP Finals hopes alive on Wednesday, saving a match point at 1-5 down in the decider before winning 6-7(3) 6-3 7-6(4).

Rafael Nadal produced an incredible fightback to beat Russian Daniil Medvedev and keep his ATP Finals hopes alive on Wednesday, saving a match point at 1-5 down in the decider before winning 6-7(3) 6-3 7-6(4). The world number one will require a victory over in-form Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas on Friday to have a chance of reaching the semi-finals. Tsitsipas, 21, is definitely there though after thrashing Alexander Zverev 6-3 6-2 in the evening match. Nadal looked beaten as 23-year-old debutant Medvedev broke serve twice in the decider to stand on the brink of a first career victory over the Spaniard he pushed to five sets in an epic US Open final in September. For once world number one Nadal's trademark fighting spirit seemed to have ebbed away but he saved a match point at 1-5 with a superb drop shot and was suddenly re-energised. Twice Medvedev served for the match, at 5-2 and 5-4, but he tightened up and world number one Nadal, roared on by the 02 Arena crowd, needed no second invitation to take advantage. Nadal has never won the ATP Finals title, the only gap on a CV that includes 19 Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold. He was beaten by German defending champion Zverev for the first time on Monday in his opening round-robin match and defeat by Medvedev, who he had also never lost to before, would have left him on the brink of elimination. After an astonishing recovery, however, he will go into his final group game against Tsitsipas with everything to play for as he bids to not only win the title for the first time but also seal the year-end world number one ranking. Nadal arrived in London with concerns over an abdominal injury, but even when not at his sharpest he remains one of the hardest players on Tour to finish off. "Honestly I've been super lucky," he said on court. "For Daniil it's a tough loss. He was playing much better than me in the third set of course but it was one of these days when you have a one in a thousand chance to win." The deceptively powerful Medvedev dropped only six points on serve in the opening set and comfortably bagged the tiebreak. His focus dipped at the start of the second though, allowing Nadal a quick break and when the Spaniard broke again to take the set it seemed the momentum was with him. Medvedev played superbly in the deciding set though, until 5-1. A dreadful Nadal backhand slice gave the Russian a first break and when he chased down a drop shot to flick a winner past Nadal on his way to a 4-0 lead he was in command. But from 1-5 down Nadal reeled off five straight games and when Medvedev trailed 0-30 at 5-6 he seemed to be a spent force. Medvedev regained his composure in the nick of time to hold serve with an ace and looked dangerous again in the tiebreak. But he missed an easy forehand at 4-5 to give Nadal two match points and then a backhand went agonisingly wide to hand the Spaniard one of the most remarkable wins of his career. "Rafa could say, okay, it's over at 5-1 and just give me the point, but we all know Rafa is not about this," Medvedev said. The maths of the group means a straight-sets win for Medvedev over Zverev could see him progress to the semis. Nadal's tournament fate is not in his own hands though. He must beat Tsitsipas and hope that Medvedev beats Zverev. Even if he does not reach the semis, Nadal tightened his grip on the number one ranking as Novak Djokovic now must win the title to have a chance of overtaking him. Djokovic faces Roger Federer on Thursday in a must-win match for both players.

ATP Finals: Rafael Nadal roars back from brink to beat Medvedev

Fourth seed Daniil Medvedev suffered a shock defeat by home favourite Jeremy Chardy on a bad day for Russians at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-cilic-raonic-make-winning-starts-at-paris-masters-federer-withdraws-258577">Paris Masters</a> on Tuesday but Alexander Zverev boosted his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals.

Medvedev, who will make his debut at the ATP Finals in London next month after a barnstorming season, lost for the first time since the US&nbsp;Open final, going down 4-6 6-2 6-4.

Earlier defending champion Karen Khachanov was bundled out by Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff, losing 7-6(5) 3-6 7-5.

The 29-year-old Struff finished off the eighth seed with a superb smash from the baseline. Defeat ruled Khachanov out of the running for the ATP Finals.

Medvedev was on a nine-match winning run taking in St Petersburg and Shanghai where he took his tally of titles this season to four, but he came up against an inspired Chardy.

The Russian, who had reached six successive finals, looked in control when he took the first set but he ultimately paid for failing to convert 14 of the 15 break points he carved out.

Chardy even saved one as he served for the match in the decider, going on to reach the third round at the Paris event for the first time at the 10th attempt.

Chardy will face Chile's Cristian Garin or 2016 finalist John Isner of the US&nbsp;in the next round.

Struff chiselled out a tough first set with a backhand winner at 5-5 in the tiebreak before serving an ace.

Khachanov roared back to win 12 of the first 17 points of the second set on his way to levelling.

Struff let slip a 3-1 lead in the decider but broke again when Khachanov served at 5-6.

Zverev, who won last season's ATP Finals and is bidding to take one of the remaining two slots for this year's event with a strong showing in Paris, needed less than an hour to beat Spain's Fernando Verdasco 6-1 6-3.

The German, who is seventh in the Race to London standings, will face Denis Shapovalov or Fabio Fognini in the next round.

Top seed Novak Djokovic begins with a second-round clash against French lucky loser Corentin Moutet.

Second seed Rafa Nadal, playing his first tournament since getting married this month, also begins against a Frenchman in wildcard Adrian Mannarino.

Fourth seed Daniil Medvedev suffered a shock defeat by home favourite Jeremy Chardy on a bad day for Russians at the Paris Masters on Tuesday but Alexander Zverev boosted his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals.

Fourth seed Daniil Medvedev suffered a shock defeat by home favourite Jeremy Chardy on a bad day for Russians at the Paris Masters on Tuesday but Alexander Zverev boosted his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals. Medvedev, who will make his debut at the ATP Finals in London next month after a barnstorming season, lost for the first time since the US Open final, going down 4-6 6-2 6-4. Earlier defending champion Karen Khachanov was bundled out by Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff, losing 7-6(5) 3-6 7-5. The 29-year-old Struff finished off the eighth seed with a superb smash from the baseline. Defeat ruled Khachanov out of the running for the ATP Finals. Medvedev was on a nine-match winning run taking in St Petersburg and Shanghai where he took his tally of titles this season to four, but he came up against an inspired Chardy. The Russian, who had reached six successive finals, looked in control when he took the first set but he ultimately paid for failing to convert 14 of the 15 break points he carved out. Chardy even saved one as he served for the match in the decider, going on to reach the third round at the Paris event for the first time at the 10th attempt. Chardy will face Chile's Cristian Garin or 2016 finalist John Isner of the US in the next round. Struff chiselled out a tough first set with a backhand winner at 5-5 in the tiebreak before serving an ace. Khachanov roared back to win 12 of the first 17 points of the second set on his way to levelling. Struff let slip a 3-1 lead in the decider but broke again when Khachanov served at 5-6. Zverev, who won last season's ATP Finals and is bidding to take one of the remaining two slots for this year's event with a strong showing in Paris, needed less than an hour to beat Spain's Fernando Verdasco 6-1 6-3. The German, who is seventh in the Race to London standings, will face Denis Shapovalov or Fabio Fognini in the next round. Top seed Novak Djokovic begins with a second-round clash against French lucky loser Corentin Moutet. Second seed Rafa Nadal, playing his first tournament since getting married this month, also begins against a Frenchman in wildcard Adrian Mannarino.

Paris Masters tennis: Chardy ends Medvedev's winning run

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nadal-and-williams-headline-party-for-all-ages-at-us-open-248222">Rafael Nadal </a>captured his 19th career Grand Slam title in thrilling fashion on Sunday by winning the US Open final, outlasting Russia's Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 to seize his fourth crown in New York.

The 33-year-old Spanish left-hander moved one shy of Roger Federer's all-time men's record 20 Grand Slam triumphs and became the second-oldest New York champion in the Open era after Ken Rosewall in 1970 at age 35.

World number two Nadal took the top prize of $3.85 million at Arthur Ashe Stadium and added to his US Open trophy haul from 2010, 2013 and 2017.

Nadal, who was in his fifth US Open championship match and 27th Grand Slam final, is the first man to claim five major titles after turning 30.

But it took a supreme effort from the Spanish maestro, who nearly became the first player to drop the final after leading by two sets since Frederick Schroeder in 1949.

Nadal, who rose to 22-12 in five-set matches, has dropped only one Grand Slam match out of more than 200 when he has won the first two sets, the loss coming at the hands of Italy's Fabio Fognini in the 2015 US Open third round.

At four hours and 50 minutes, the match finished four minutes shy of equaling the longest final in US Open history from Mats Wilander's 1988 win and Andy Murray's 2012 title.

It was the second Slam title of the year for Nadal after taking his 12th French Open crown in June.

In addition to reaching the brink of Federer's mark, Nadal moved one shy of the Open era record five US Open titles won by Federer, Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras.

Nadal, who won his only prior meeting with Medvedev in last month's Montreal final, seldom looked threatened after being broken early in the match.

The Spaniard stretched his win streak over Russians to 20 matches since losing to Nikolay Davydenko in the 2011 Doha semi-finals.

Fifth seed Medvedev, 23, battled throughout his first Grand Slam final but could not become the youngest men's Grand Slam champion since Juan Martin del Potro at the 2009 US Open, falling to 0-5 in five-set matches.&nbsp;

Medvedev, who saw his career-best 12-match win streak snapped, would have been the first Russian to win a Grand Slam title since Marat Safin at the 2005 Australian Open and the first Russian to win the US Open since Safin in 2000.

At 6-foot-6 (1.98m), Medvedev also would have matched Marin Cilic and del Potro as the tallest champion in US Open history.

Electric fifth set

Nadal saved a breakpoint in the second game of the fourth set when Medvedev netted a backhand and a huge Nadal chant roared from the stands.

Medvedev denied Nadal on two break chances in the fifth game as the tension built. Then Nadal was broken in the 10th game to drop the set, Medvedev blasting a backhand return winner to complete a five-point run to force a fifth set.

Nadal battled through the second game of the final set, denying three Medvedev break chances to hold.&nbsp;

Nadal fired a backhand volley winner to break Medvedev for a 3-2 lead, stretching to reach the Russian's drop volley and flicking a winner that brought a roar from the crowd.

Chants of "Ra-fa" echoed through the stadium as he held to 4-2 and Medvedev sent an overhead smash beyond the baseline to hand the Spaniard a break for a 5-2 edge.

Nadal served for the match but Medvedev took a break to 5-3 when umpire Ali Nili issued Nadal a time violation for his first serve and the Spaniard sent his second serve long, the crowd booing Nili for his violation call.

Nadal had two break and match points in the ninth game, but Medvedev fired a backhand winner and Nadal netted a forehand return as the Russian held to 5-4 and the drama intensified.

Again serving for the match, Nadal rescued a breakpoint then hit a forehand drop volley for his third match point chance and took the victory when Medvedev sent a forehand return long.

Nadal screamed and fell to the court on his back after the epic showdown.

This year's US Open set an all-time attendance record with 737,872 fans watching over the Flushing Meadows fortnight.

Rafael Nadal captured his 19th career Grand Slam title in thrilling fashion on Sunday by winning the US Open final, outlasting Russia's Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 to seize his fourth crown in New York.

Rafael Nadal captured his 19th career Grand Slam title in thrilling fashion on Sunday by winning the US Open final, outlasting Russia's Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 to seize his fourth crown in New York. The 33-year-old Spanish left-hander moved one shy of Roger Federer's all-time men's record 20 Grand Slam triumphs and became the second-oldest New York champion in the Open era after Ken Rosewall in 1970 at age 35. World number two Nadal took the top prize of $3.85 million at Arthur Ashe Stadium and added to his US Open trophy haul from 2010, 2013 and 2017. Nadal, who was in his fifth US Open championship match and 27th Grand Slam final, is the first man to claim five major titles after turning 30. But it took a supreme effort from the Spanish maestro, who nearly became the first player to drop the final after leading by two sets since Frederick Schroeder in 1949. Nadal, who rose to 22-12 in five-set matches, has dropped only one Grand Slam match out of more than 200 when he has won the first two sets, the loss coming at the hands of Italy's Fabio Fognini in the 2015 US Open third round. At four hours and 50 minutes, the match finished four minutes shy of equaling the longest final in US Open history from Mats Wilander's 1988 win and Andy Murray's 2012 title. It was the second Slam title of the year for Nadal after taking his 12th French Open crown in June. In addition to reaching the brink of Federer's mark, Nadal moved one shy of the Open era record five US Open titles won by Federer, Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras. Nadal, who won his only prior meeting with Medvedev in last month's Montreal final, seldom looked threatened after being broken early in the match. The Spaniard stretched his win streak over Russians to 20 matches since losing to Nikolay Davydenko in the 2011 Doha semi-finals. Fifth seed Medvedev, 23, battled throughout his first Grand Slam final but could not become the youngest men's Grand Slam champion since Juan Martin del Potro at the 2009 US Open, falling to 0-5 in five-set matches. Medvedev, who saw his career-best 12-match win streak snapped, would have been the first Russian to win a Grand Slam title since Marat Safin at the 2005 Australian Open and the first Russian to win the US Open since Safin in 2000. At 6-foot-6 (1.98m), Medvedev also would have matched Marin Cilic and del Potro as the tallest champion in US Open history. Electric fifth set Nadal saved a breakpoint in the second game of the fourth set when Medvedev netted a backhand and a huge Nadal chant roared from the stands. Medvedev denied Nadal on two break chances in the fifth game as the tension built. Then Nadal was broken in the 10th game to drop the set, Medvedev blasting a backhand return winner to complete a five-point run to force a fifth set. Nadal battled through the second game of the final set, denying three Medvedev break chances to hold. Nadal fired a backhand volley winner to break Medvedev for a 3-2 lead, stretching to reach the Russian's drop volley and flicking a winner that brought a roar from the crowd. Chants of "Ra-fa" echoed through the stadium as he held to 4-2 and Medvedev sent an overhead smash beyond the baseline to hand the Spaniard a break for a 5-2 edge. Nadal served for the match but Medvedev took a break to 5-3 when umpire Ali Nili issued Nadal a time violation for his first serve and the Spaniard sent his second serve long, the crowd booing Nili for his violation call. Nadal had two break and match points in the ninth game, but Medvedev fired a backhand winner and Nadal netted a forehand return as the Russian held to 5-4 and the drama intensified. Again serving for the match, Nadal rescued a breakpoint then hit a forehand drop volley for his third match point chance and took the victory when Medvedev sent a forehand return long. Nadal screamed and fell to the court on his back after the epic showdown. This year's US Open set an all-time attendance record with 737,872 fans watching over the Flushing Meadows fortnight.

Rafael Nadal takes five-set US Open thriller for 19th Slam title

Daniil Medvedev said he was incredibly proud of a remarkable six-week hardcourt run in North America that culminated with Sunday's agonizing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-takes-five-set-us-open-thriller-for-19th-slam-title-248513">five-set loss to Rafael Nadal in the US Open final</a>.

Medvedev became just the third man to reach finals at Washington, Canada, Cincinnati and the US Open in the same summer, but like those before him -- Ivan Lendl (1982) and Andre Agassi (1995) -- he too finished runner-up in New York.

"It was an amazing match. It's an amazing story. All this summer is amazing for me. I will remember every moment of it," Medvedev said.

"I have a really good memory if we talk about tennis. I'll definitely remember it even when I'm, like, 70 years old."

Medvedev, who won his first Masters title last month in Cincinnati, will climb to a career high of fourth in the ATP rankings on Monday.

"After the summer I had no fear. I had everything to win. I think it's Rafa who had something to lose. I went out there, I gave everything I could, and I'm proud of myself," Medvedev said.

"He was the better one today. I have to admit it. I have no regrets."

The Russian, a first-time Grand Slam finalist, joked he was thinking of what to say during the trophy presentation after losing the first two sets to Nadal.

But Medvedev, spurred on by an electric Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, tapped into his energy reserves to launch a stirring fightback that had Nadal up against the ropes.

After leveling the final at two sets apiece, Medvedev missed three break point chances in the second game of the decider. He looked beaten after going a double break down, but retrieved one and erased two match points, creating an opportunity to get back on serve as Nadal served for the title a second time.

'Close to winning'

"Was I close to winning? Yes, one set away. I mean, had break points at 5-4. I will remember everything of it. I will be disappointed with the result, but I will be happy with the way I played, as I say, the whole summer, the whole US Open," Medvedev said.

"My wife always tells me that I have to be happy about myself sometimes, because I'm really self-criticizing. For example, tonight I'm not happy to lose, but I have to give myself credit for these two weeks. It's been amazing.

"Before the tournament, my best result was fourth round of a Slam. I had some physical problems. Sometimes I didn't play as good as I wanted. But I managed to be in the final. I managed to give huge fight to one of the best players in the history of our sport."&nbsp;

Nadal's victory extended the dominance of the "Big Three" with the last 12 major titles won by the Spaniard, Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer.

Medvedev was attempting to become the first man born in the 1990s to win a Grand Slam title. Milos Raonic lost the Wimbledon final in 2016 while Dominic Thiem finished runner-up to Nadal at the French Open the past two years.

"I can say that I'm sure all of us, we're fighting our best to try to make this transition. It's really tough because these guys, they are playing good tennis. I don't know what else to say. They are just playing amazing tennis," Medvedev said.

"It's really tough to beat them, even to get a set from them, even every game to win is tough. We're just doing our best job to try to make it happen sometimes.

"(These) three guys, they are legends. The way they're playing tennis is just unbelievable."

Nadal, who warned the Big Three era is nearing an end, believes the time will soon come for Medvedev.

"He has a great, great future in front. I really believe that he will be able to win Grand Slams, a couple of them," Nadal said.&nbsp;

"In this life, it's impossible to predict the future. But his career looks very, very well."

Daniil Medvedev said he was incredibly proud of a remarkable six-week hardcourt run in North America that culminated with Sunday's agonizing five-set loss to Rafael Nadal in the US Open final.

Daniil Medvedev said he was incredibly proud of a remarkable six-week hardcourt run in North America that culminated with Sunday's agonizing five-set loss to Rafael Nadal in the US Open final. Medvedev became just the third man to reach finals at Washington, Canada, Cincinnati and the US Open in the same summer, but like those before him -- Ivan Lendl (1982) and Andre Agassi (1995) -- he too finished runner-up in New York. "It was an amazing match. It's an amazing story. All this summer is amazing for me. I will remember every moment of it," Medvedev said. "I have a really good memory if we talk about tennis. I'll definitely remember it even when I'm, like, 70 years old." Medvedev, who won his first Masters title last month in Cincinnati, will climb to a career high of fourth in the ATP rankings on Monday. "After the summer I had no fear. I had everything to win. I think it's Rafa who had something to lose. I went out there, I gave everything I could, and I'm proud of myself," Medvedev said. "He was the better one today. I have to admit it. I have no regrets." The Russian, a first-time Grand Slam finalist, joked he was thinking of what to say during the trophy presentation after losing the first two sets to Nadal. But Medvedev, spurred on by an electric Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, tapped into his energy reserves to launch a stirring fightback that had Nadal up against the ropes. After leveling the final at two sets apiece, Medvedev missed three break point chances in the second game of the decider. He looked beaten after going a double break down, but retrieved one and erased two match points, creating an opportunity to get back on serve as Nadal served for the title a second time. 'Close to winning' "Was I close to winning? Yes, one set away. I mean, had break points at 5-4. I will remember everything of it. I will be disappointed with the result, but I will be happy with the way I played, as I say, the whole summer, the whole US Open," Medvedev said. "My wife always tells me that I have to be happy about myself sometimes, because I'm really self-criticizing. For example, tonight I'm not happy to lose, but I have to give myself credit for these two weeks. It's been amazing. "Before the tournament, my best result was fourth round of a Slam. I had some physical problems. Sometimes I didn't play as good as I wanted. But I managed to be in the final. I managed to give huge fight to one of the best players in the history of our sport." Nadal's victory extended the dominance of the "Big Three" with the last 12 major titles won by the Spaniard, Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer. Medvedev was attempting to become the first man born in the 1990s to win a Grand Slam title. Milos Raonic lost the Wimbledon final in 2016 while Dominic Thiem finished runner-up to Nadal at the French Open the past two years. "I can say that I'm sure all of us, we're fighting our best to try to make this transition. It's really tough because these guys, they are playing good tennis. I don't know what else to say. They are just playing amazing tennis," Medvedev said. "It's really tough to beat them, even to get a set from them, even every game to win is tough. We're just doing our best job to try to make it happen sometimes. "(These) three guys, they are legends. The way they're playing tennis is just unbelievable." Nadal, who warned the Big Three era is nearing an end, believes the time will soon come for Medvedev. "He has a great, great future in front. I really believe that he will be able to win Grand Slams, a couple of them," Nadal said. "In this life, it's impossible to predict the future. But his career looks very, very well."

Daniil Medvedev proud as 'amazing summer' ends with US Open final defeat

Daniil Medvedev will play for a first Grand Slam title after grinding out a 7-6(5) 6-4 6-3 win over Grigor Dimitrov in their US Open semi-final on Friday.

Medvedev has had a complicated relationship with the Flushing Meadows crowds, who cast him as a US Open bad boy following some on-court antics, but the fifth-seeded Russian has been as good as gold where it matters -- on the scoreboard.

The win sends Medvedev through to his fourth straight final and stretches his win streak to 12 matches.

The first Russian man to reach a Grand Slam final since Marat Safin at the 2005 Australian Open, Medvedev now awaits the winner of the other semi-final between three-time champion Rafa Nadal and surprise package Matteo Berrettini of Italy.

The two players arrived at Flushing Meadows in wildly contrasting form.

The 78th ranked Dimitrov's play was trending downwards, winning just one of his last eight matches, while Medvedev was riding the momentum from reaching three straight finals, including a win in his last US Open tuneup in Cincinnati.

With both men fighting for a spot in their first Grand Slam final, every point was contested as if a trophy were riding on it, particularly in a tense opening set that stretched to an hour before Medvedev snatched it in a tie-break.

The second set produced more long, grinding rallies as the Russian and Bulgarian traded a pair of breaks before Medvedev landed the decisive blow to break Dimitrov and go 2-1 up.

Now in command, Medvedev continued to relentlessly wear down the tiring Dimitrov in a third set that saw him earn a break at 3-1 to take a lead he would not surrender.

Daniil Medvedev will play for a first Grand Slam title after grinding out a 7-6(5) 6-4 6-3 win over Grigor Dimitrov in their US Open semi-final on Friday. Medvedev has had a complicated relationship with the Flushing Meadows crowds, who cast him as a US Open bad boy following some on-court antics, but the fifth-seeded Russian has been as good as gold where it matters -- on the scoreboard.

Daniil Medvedev will play for a first Grand Slam title after grinding out a 7-6(5) 6-4 6-3 win over Grigor Dimitrov in their US Open semi-final on Friday. Medvedev has had a complicated relationship with the Flushing Meadows crowds, who cast him as a US Open bad boy following some on-court antics, but the fifth-seeded Russian has been as good as gold where it matters -- on the scoreboard. The win sends Medvedev through to his fourth straight final and stretches his win streak to 12 matches. The first Russian man to reach a Grand Slam final since Marat Safin at the 2005 Australian Open, Medvedev now awaits the winner of the other semi-final between three-time champion Rafa Nadal and surprise package Matteo Berrettini of Italy. The two players arrived at Flushing Meadows in wildly contrasting form. The 78th ranked Dimitrov's play was trending downwards, winning just one of his last eight matches, while Medvedev was riding the momentum from reaching three straight finals, including a win in his last US Open tuneup in Cincinnati. With both men fighting for a spot in their first Grand Slam final, every point was contested as if a trophy were riding on it, particularly in a tense opening set that stretched to an hour before Medvedev snatched it in a tie-break. The second set produced more long, grinding rallies as the Russian and Bulgarian traded a pair of breaks before Medvedev landed the decisive blow to break Dimitrov and go 2-1 up. Now in command, Medvedev continued to relentlessly wear down the tiring Dimitrov in a third set that saw him earn a break at 3-1 to take a lead he would not surrender.

Medvedev grinds out win over Dimitrov to reach US Open final

Daniil Medvedev tried to make peace Sunday with US Open fans who have booed him for two matches after using their energy to help him reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final.

"I need to be a better person on the court," said Medvedev, who was fined after each of his first three matches at Flushing Meadows.

The Russian fifth seed booked a berth in the last eight by defeating 118th-ranked German qualifier Dominik Koepfer 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (7/2) at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Medvedev was fined $9,000 for an obscene gesture and unsportsmanlike conduct in a third-round victory Friday. After his middle-finger gesture was shown on video screens, fans booed him unmercifully.

"Talking about last match, I was an idiot, to be honest," Medvedev said Sunday. "I did some things that I'm not proud of and that I'm working on to be a better person on the court because I do think I'm a good person out of the court."

There was a bit more kindness Sunday from the crowd in the form of mostly hearty cheers for Koepfer, but when Medvedev had won and boos followed, Medvedev encouraged more and said jeers helped energize him.

"I was painful in my attitude," Medvedev told the crowd. "I was painful in my shoulder. I was wondering if I was going to play. And you guys gave me the energy.

"Guys continue to give me this energy. You are the best."

Medvedev says he is still working on being his best but learned some lessons after reading social media comments about himself after Friday's match.

"I do like to read comments about me, to learn what people think about me, where should I be better or what should I keep?" Medvedev said.

"To be honest with you, especially after the last match, I learned a lot to myself. As I say, I need to be a better person on the court than I was the last match."

'Most electric crowd'

He said he enjoyed the give and take with the New York crowd Sunday.

"During my match, I was completely focused. After the match, I engaged a little bit with the crowd," he said.

"But we all know how New York crowd can be. It's probably the most electric crowd in the world. Especially this week, playing this week on big courts, I could feel it.

"They reacted less than the last match. I was a little bit surprised, because as I say, it was not against them. It was something with myself.

"Today I was just engaging with the crowd and hopefully it was fun for them and for me. As I said, it gave me a lot of energy to win."

Medvedev, a winner at Cincinnati and runner-up at Montreal and Washington in hardcourt tuneup events, had enough energy for a happy dance after the victory.

"I was just so happy about my win that I just decided to do something special," Medvedev said. "Some people think it was against the crowd. It was not at all. It was just showing how happy I was to be in the quarters." 
&nbsp;

Daniil Medvedev tried to make peace Sunday with US Open fans who have booed him for two matches after using their energy to help him reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final.

Daniil Medvedev tried to make peace Sunday with US Open fans who have booed him for two matches after using their energy to help him reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final. "I need to be a better person on the court," said Medvedev, who was fined after each of his first three matches at Flushing Meadows. The Russian fifth seed booked a berth in the last eight by defeating 118th-ranked German qualifier Dominik Koepfer 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (7/2) at Louis Armstrong Stadium. Medvedev was fined $9,000 for an obscene gesture and unsportsmanlike conduct in a third-round victory Friday. After his middle-finger gesture was shown on video screens, fans booed him unmercifully. "Talking about last match, I was an idiot, to be honest," Medvedev said Sunday. "I did some things that I'm not proud of and that I'm working on to be a better person on the court because I do think I'm a good person out of the court." There was a bit more kindness Sunday from the crowd in the form of mostly hearty cheers for Koepfer, but when Medvedev had won and boos followed, Medvedev encouraged more and said jeers helped energize him. "I was painful in my attitude," Medvedev told the crowd. "I was painful in my shoulder. I was wondering if I was going to play. And you guys gave me the energy. "Guys continue to give me this energy. You are the best." Medvedev says he is still working on being his best but learned some lessons after reading social media comments about himself after Friday's match. "I do like to read comments about me, to learn what people think about me, where should I be better or what should I keep?" Medvedev said. "To be honest with you, especially after the last match, I learned a lot to myself. As I say, I need to be a better person on the court than I was the last match." 'Most electric crowd' He said he enjoyed the give and take with the New York crowd Sunday. "During my match, I was completely focused. After the match, I engaged a little bit with the crowd," he said. "But we all know how New York crowd can be. It's probably the most electric crowd in the world. Especially this week, playing this week on big courts, I could feel it. "They reacted less than the last match. I was a little bit surprised, because as I say, it was not against them. It was something with myself. "Today I was just engaging with the crowd and hopefully it was fun for them and for me. As I said, it gave me a lot of energy to win." Medvedev, a winner at Cincinnati and runner-up at Montreal and Washington in hardcourt tuneup events, had enough energy for a happy dance after the victory. "I was just so happy about my win that I just decided to do something special," Medvedev said. "Some people think it was against the crowd. It was not at all. It was just showing how happy I was to be in the quarters."

Medvedev says 'I was an idiot' and working to be better

From Novak Djokovic to Rafael Nadal, here are eight men to watch at US Open

Daniil Medvedev, coming off back-to-back ATP finals defeats, held off David Goffin 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 Sunday to win the ATP Cincinnati Masters.

The ninth-seeded Russian finished with an ace after saving break points in the final game, lifting a first Masters 1000 trophy after settling for runner-up finishes to Nick Kyrgios in Washington and Rafael Nadal in Montreal last weekend.

"These have been the best three weeks of my life," Medvedev said. "My mentality was the best, my serve was the best, my tennis has been really consistent.

"I didn't have one bad match, I hope to continue this way for next few weeks."

After his full-on post-Wimbledon schedule, the winner admitted: "I'm so exhausted, I almost can't talk now."

He also revealed that he was starting to cramp in the final game, when he tossed his racquet in anger before saving break points.

"I think my Montreal final against Rafa was important," he said of hanging on. "I was maybe able to use that experience that I had and David did not."

Medvedev, who only recently gained the ATP Top 10, now will find himself ranked fifth as a result of his three-week run of form.

"I don't check the rankings every two minutes, but I do look after I do well at a tournament," he said. "If I had lost I'd be seventh, now I'm fifth."

Medvedev followed up his semi-final upset of defending champion Novak Djokovic as he controlled feisty Belgian Goffin to win an ATP leading 31st hardcourt match.

He has the most match wins on any surface this year with 43.

Spanish superstar Nadal, who did not play this week -- is second with 41, followed by Roger Federer on 39.

Medvedev stamped himself a contender for the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the season that starts in Flushing Meadows in a week.

Goffin was competing in his second final of 2019 after losing to Federer in Halle.

"Congratulations to your team," he told Medvedev, "Once again, an unbelievable week for you, fantastic.

"I think you are ready for New York."

Medvedev powered to a 4-1 lead in the opening set but had to win it in a tiebreaker as Goffin, coached by 2002 Australian open winner Thomas Johansson, fought back.

But Medvedev's break in the opening game of the second set was all he needed as he avenged a loss to Goffin at Wimbledon this year.

Daniil Medvedev, coming off back-to-back ATP finals defeats, held off David Goffin 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 Sunday to win the ATP Cincinnati Masters. The ninth-seeded Russian finished with an ace after saving break points in the final game, lifting a first Masters 1000 trophy after settling for runner-up finishes to Nick Kyrgios in Washington and Rafael Nadal in Montreal last weekend.

Daniil Medvedev, coming off back-to-back ATP finals defeats, held off David Goffin 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 Sunday to win the ATP Cincinnati Masters. The ninth-seeded Russian finished with an ace after saving break points in the final game, lifting a first Masters 1000 trophy after settling for runner-up finishes to Nick Kyrgios in Washington and Rafael Nadal in Montreal last weekend. "These have been the best three weeks of my life," Medvedev said. "My mentality was the best, my serve was the best, my tennis has been really consistent. "I didn't have one bad match, I hope to continue this way for next few weeks." After his full-on post-Wimbledon schedule, the winner admitted: "I'm so exhausted, I almost can't talk now." He also revealed that he was starting to cramp in the final game, when he tossed his racquet in anger before saving break points. "I think my Montreal final against Rafa was important," he said of hanging on. "I was maybe able to use that experience that I had and David did not." Medvedev, who only recently gained the ATP Top 10, now will find himself ranked fifth as a result of his three-week run of form. "I don't check the rankings every two minutes, but I do look after I do well at a tournament," he said. "If I had lost I'd be seventh, now I'm fifth." Medvedev followed up his semi-final upset of defending champion Novak Djokovic as he controlled feisty Belgian Goffin to win an ATP leading 31st hardcourt match. He has the most match wins on any surface this year with 43. Spanish superstar Nadal, who did not play this week -- is second with 41, followed by Roger Federer on 39. Medvedev stamped himself a contender for the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the season that starts in Flushing Meadows in a week. Goffin was competing in his second final of 2019 after losing to Federer in Halle. "Congratulations to your team," he told Medvedev, "Once again, an unbelievable week for you, fantastic. "I think you are ready for New York." Medvedev powered to a 4-1 lead in the opening set but had to win it in a tiebreaker as Goffin, coached by 2002 Australian open winner Thomas Johansson, fought back. But Medvedev's break in the opening game of the second set was all he needed as he avenged a loss to Goffin at Wimbledon this year.

Cincinnati title lands Daniil Medvedev in world top five

World number one Novak Djokovic wilted under pressure from Daniil Medvedev Saturday, falling 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 to the ninth-seeded Russian in the Cincinnati Masters semi-finals.

Medvedev's upset win sent him into a title showdown with another unexpected finalist, 16th-seeded Belgian David Goffin, who defeated France's Richard Gasquet 6-3, 6-4 to reach his first ATP Masters 1000 final.

A fuming Djokovic, who looked to have control of the contest in the early going, was caught out when Medvedev stepped things up in the second set.

"I don't know how I turned it around, I was so tired after the first set and I thought I might not be able to keep up the intensity," said Medvedev, who has competed in 15 hardcourt matches since July 30.

"But I had a momentum chance in the second set and the crowd gave me energy," added the Russian, who will be playing his second Masters series final in eight days, after falling to Rafael Nadal in Montreal last Sunday.

"Novak had been destroying me on second serve, so I just went for it," Medvedev said. "It's a great feeling to win and beat the number one."

Djokovic, the defending champion who was playing his first tournament since his Wimbledon triumph in July, need some time to cool down before pondering his loss.

"He deserves to be in the mix, certainly, with all his results," Djokovic said. "He's working his way to top 5. "He's definitely one of the best players in the world at this moment."

Djokovic said there was little he could do in the face of Medvedev's go-for-broke style.

"When I had my racquet on the ball I was returning also his serves, but you can't really predict someone or prepare yourself for someone serving that big second serve consistently from 4-3 to the end of the match with making maybe two double faults out of God knows how many serves," he said.

With the US Open starting on August 26, Djokovic said he took "mostly positives" from the week.

"Today I did lose a tennis match, but I didn't do too much wrong," he said. "So I'll take that and I'll move forward to New York and have a good practice week.

"I'm going to go to fight for a title as everyone else does -- and I like my chances."

Medvedev won 12 of the last 14 points in the second set to square the match against Djokovic, then ran up a 3-1 lead in the third on the way to victory on his first match point.

Kuznetsova beats Barty

There was an upset in the women's draw as well, as Russian veteran Svetlana Kuznetsova defeated top-seeded Australian Ashleigh Barty 6-2, 6-4.

Kuznetsova, a two-time Grand Slam champion who has been hindered lately by injury, will be in search of her 19th WTA title -- and her first in more than a year -- when she takes on American Madison Keys in the final. Keys, the 2017 US Open runner-up, defeated compatriot Sofia Kenin 7-5, 6-4.

Kuznetsova&nbsp;denied Barty a chance to reclaim the world number one ranking, which the Australian would have done by reaching the final.

Instead the triumph by 34-year-old Kuznetsova leaves injured Naomi Osaka atop the rankings with the US Open looming.

Barty, who had rallied from a set down in each of her previous two matches, also said she was taking positives from the week to Flushing Meadows.

"This was a week that I battled through," Barty said. "At times I played some good stuff. At times I played some pretty awful stuff.

"I've learned a lot from this week, and there are nothing but positives going into New York," she said.

Keys booked her finals spot as she won an all-American match littered with 12 breaks of serve.

She earned match points with a flick volley winner angled steeply cross-court and amazed herself with the get. "I looked at my box in shock," she admitted. "I'm really feeling great about my tennis.

World number one Novak Djokovic wilted under pressure from Daniil Medvedev Saturday, falling 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 to the ninth-seeded Russian in the Cincinnati Masters semi-finals.

World number one Novak Djokovic wilted under pressure from Daniil Medvedev Saturday, falling 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 to the ninth-seeded Russian in the Cincinnati Masters semi-finals. Medvedev's upset win sent him into a title showdown with another unexpected finalist, 16th-seeded Belgian David Goffin, who defeated France's Richard Gasquet 6-3, 6-4 to reach his first ATP Masters 1000 final. A fuming Djokovic, who looked to have control of the contest in the early going, was caught out when Medvedev stepped things up in the second set. "I don't know how I turned it around, I was so tired after the first set and I thought I might not be able to keep up the intensity," said Medvedev, who has competed in 15 hardcourt matches since July 30. "But I had a momentum chance in the second set and the crowd gave me energy," added the Russian, who will be playing his second Masters series final in eight days, after falling to Rafael Nadal in Montreal last Sunday. "Novak had been destroying me on second serve, so I just went for it," Medvedev said. "It's a great feeling to win and beat the number one." Djokovic, the defending champion who was playing his first tournament since his Wimbledon triumph in July, need some time to cool down before pondering his loss. "He deserves to be in the mix, certainly, with all his results," Djokovic said. "He's working his way to top 5. "He's definitely one of the best players in the world at this moment." Djokovic said there was little he could do in the face of Medvedev's go-for-broke style. "When I had my racquet on the ball I was returning also his serves, but you can't really predict someone or prepare yourself for someone serving that big second serve consistently from 4-3 to the end of the match with making maybe two double faults out of God knows how many serves," he said. With the US Open starting on August 26, Djokovic said he took "mostly positives" from the week. "Today I did lose a tennis match, but I didn't do too much wrong," he said. "So I'll take that and I'll move forward to New York and have a good practice week. "I'm going to go to fight for a title as everyone else does -- and I like my chances." Medvedev won 12 of the last 14 points in the second set to square the match against Djokovic, then ran up a 3-1 lead in the third on the way to victory on his first match point. Kuznetsova beats Barty There was an upset in the women's draw as well, as Russian veteran Svetlana Kuznetsova defeated top-seeded Australian Ashleigh Barty 6-2, 6-4. Kuznetsova, a two-time Grand Slam champion who has been hindered lately by injury, will be in search of her 19th WTA title -- and her first in more than a year -- when she takes on American Madison Keys in the final. Keys, the 2017 US Open runner-up, defeated compatriot Sofia Kenin 7-5, 6-4. Kuznetsova denied Barty a chance to reclaim the world number one ranking, which the Australian would have done by reaching the final. Instead the triumph by 34-year-old Kuznetsova leaves injured Naomi Osaka atop the rankings with the US Open looming. Barty, who had rallied from a set down in each of her previous two matches, also said she was taking positives from the week to Flushing Meadows. "This was a week that I battled through," Barty said. "At times I played some good stuff. At times I played some pretty awful stuff. "I've learned a lot from this week, and there are nothing but positives going into New York," she said. Keys booked her finals spot as she won an all-American match littered with 12 breaks of serve. She earned match points with a flick volley winner angled steeply cross-court and amazed herself with the get. "I looked at my box in shock," she admitted. "I'm really feeling great about my tennis.

Top seeds Novak Djokovic, Ashleigh Barty toppled in Cincinnati semi-finals

Top seed Rafael Nadal overwhelmed Russia's Daniil Medvedev 6-3 6-0 to win his fifth Rogers Cup on Sunday in Montreal -- the first time he has retained a title outside of clay.

The 33-year-old Spanish world number two dominated the eighth-seeded Medvedev in their first-ever meeting.

The Russian had not dropped a set in the tournament but was no match for Nadal, who saved a breakpoint in his first game and confidently put away Medvedev who is 10 years his junior.

"He was playing very well during the whole week so for me it was important in the beginning that he not take advantage," Nadal said in courtside interview.

"Then I think I played a very solid, best match of the week without a doubt."

Nadal broke the Russian in the fourth game to go 3-1 up and dominated the remainder of the 70-minute match.

Winning 82 per cent&nbsp;of his first-serve points and delivering high and heavy forehands on the windy afternoon that pushed back the at times confused looking Medvedev, the Spaniard broke the Russian three times in the second set before wrapping up the victory, a record 35th at the Masters 1000 level.

But he left open whether he would play in this week's Cincinnati Masters tournament where he is the second seed behind world number one Novak Djokovic.

"I don't know. I will have to speak to my team," he said.

Nadal shrugged aside the importance of the stat that he had successfully defended a title outside clay for the first time.

"It is so important to be back on a hard court and winning another big title," he said.

The Spaniard's previous two victories this season, in the Italian and French Opens, both came on clay.

Medvedev reached the final by defeating compatriot Karen Khachanov 6-1 7-6(6) to become the top-ranked Russian when new rankings come out on Monday.

But he made 22 errors in the championship match.

Nadal advanced to the showpiece contest on a walkover when his semi-final opponent, Frenchman Gael Monfils, withdrew with an ankle injury before their meeting.

Top seed Rafael Nadal overwhelmed Russia's Daniil Medvedev 6-3 6-0 to win his fifth Rogers Cup on Sunday in Montreal -- the first time he has retained a title outside of clay.

Top seed Rafael Nadal overwhelmed Russia's Daniil Medvedev 6-3 6-0 to win his fifth Rogers Cup on Sunday in Montreal -- the first time he has retained a title outside of clay. The 33-year-old Spanish world number two dominated the eighth-seeded Medvedev in their first-ever meeting. The Russian had not dropped a set in the tournament but was no match for Nadal, who saved a breakpoint in his first game and confidently put away Medvedev who is 10 years his junior. "He was playing very well during the whole week so for me it was important in the beginning that he not take advantage," Nadal said in courtside interview. "Then I think I played a very solid, best match of the week without a doubt." Nadal broke the Russian in the fourth game to go 3-1 up and dominated the remainder of the 70-minute match. Winning 82 per cent of his first-serve points and delivering high and heavy forehands on the windy afternoon that pushed back the at times confused looking Medvedev, the Spaniard broke the Russian three times in the second set before wrapping up the victory, a record 35th at the Masters 1000 level. But he left open whether he would play in this week's Cincinnati Masters tournament where he is the second seed behind world number one Novak Djokovic. "I don't know. I will have to speak to my team," he said. Nadal shrugged aside the importance of the stat that he had successfully defended a title outside clay for the first time. "It is so important to be back on a hard court and winning another big title," he said. The Spaniard's previous two victories this season, in the Italian and French Opens, both came on clay. Medvedev reached the final by defeating compatriot Karen Khachanov 6-1 7-6(6) to become the top-ranked Russian when new rankings come out on Monday. But he made 22 errors in the championship match. Nadal advanced to the showpiece contest on a walkover when his semi-final opponent, Frenchman Gael Monfils, withdrew with an ankle injury before their meeting.

Rafael Nadal crushes Medvedev to retain Montreal title

Nick Kyrgios overcame early back spasms to get the better of Russia's Daniil Medvedev in a pair of tiebreakers and win the Citi Open in Washington on Sunday.

The Australian won 7-6(6), 7-6(4) over a frustrated world number nine Medvedev for his sixth career ATP Tour victory. Kyrgios did not face a single break point and hit 18 aces, including two to close out the final.

"It's great to get the win, but I proved to myself and a lot of people backing me that I still have it and can produce at the highest level," said Kyrgios, who defeated the tournament's number one seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in Saturday's semi-final.

"This week is probably one of the best weeks of my life in tennis," the 24-year-old said.

Kyrgios, mixing baseline rallies with drop shots, came from 4-1 down in the opening tiebreak to win it and took a medical time-out after the set, which seemed to help relieve the back spasms that had him stretching on the court during changeovers.

"I had some back spasms on the right side of my back," the Australian said. "I haven't played that much tennis in the last couple of months so this week the load has been pretty stressful."

The tension of the match no doubt added to the stress.

"We got very lucky to get out of the first set," Kyrgios said. "It was 5-2 and I got pretty lucky on some of those points. It could have easily him standing in this position."

He still had trouble with Medvedev's serve, the Russian winning 80% of his service points for the match.

Kyrgios eventually tied the second set at 6-6 and claimed the victory, his second of the year, in another tiebreak.

Before serving for the win, the Australian, as he had done twice previously in the match, went to a spectator to consult on where to serve.

Kyrgios then delivered a rocket for the win and fell on his back in relief.

Nick Kyrgios overcame early back spasms to get the better of Russia's Daniil Medvedev in a pair of tiebreakers and win the Citi Open in Washington on Sunday. The Australian won 7-6(6), 7-6(4) over a frustrated world number nine Medvedev for his sixth career ATP Tour victory.

Nick Kyrgios overcame early back spasms to get the better of Russia's Daniil Medvedev in a pair of tiebreakers and win the Citi Open in Washington on Sunday. The Australian won 7-6(6), 7-6(4) over a frustrated world number nine Medvedev for his sixth career ATP Tour victory. Kyrgios did not face a single break point and hit 18 aces, including two to close out the final. "It's great to get the win, but I proved to myself and a lot of people backing me that I still have it and can produce at the highest level," said Kyrgios, who defeated the tournament's number one seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in Saturday's semi-final. "This week is probably one of the best weeks of my life in tennis," the 24-year-old said. Kyrgios, mixing baseline rallies with drop shots, came from 4-1 down in the opening tiebreak to win it and took a medical time-out after the set, which seemed to help relieve the back spasms that had him stretching on the court during changeovers. "I had some back spasms on the right side of my back," the Australian said. "I haven't played that much tennis in the last couple of months so this week the load has been pretty stressful." The tension of the match no doubt added to the stress. "We got very lucky to get out of the first set," Kyrgios said. "It was 5-2 and I got pretty lucky on some of those points. It could have easily him standing in this position." He still had trouble with Medvedev's serve, the Russian winning 80% of his service points for the match. Kyrgios eventually tied the second set at 6-6 and claimed the victory, his second of the year, in another tiebreak. Before serving for the win, the Australian, as he had done twice previously in the match, went to a spectator to consult on where to serve. Kyrgios then delivered a rocket for the win and fell on his back in relief.

Nick Kyrgios fights off back spasms to win Citi Open title

World number one Novak Djokovic's French Open preparations were dealt with a blow as he suffered a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 defeat by Russian Daniil Medvedev in the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-finals on Friday (April 19).

Djokovic, a two-time champion in Monte Carlo, roared back to level the contest after dropping the first set but that did not prevent the 23-year-old Medvedev from claiming the biggest victory of his career.

Medvedev had lost each of his previous three encounters against Djokovic but on this occasion broke his Serbian opponent's serve five times to move into the final four.

Medvedev will next face another Serb, Dusan Lajovic, who followed up his shock win over world number five Dominic Thiem with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Italian qualifier Lorenzo Sonego.

For Djokovic, it was another premature exit from an ATP Masters 1000 event after he crashed out in the early rounds at Indian Wells and Miami last month.

The 31-year-old has struggled for rhythm in his first clay court event of the season and will need step up his game to have a chance of completing a personal sweep at next month's French Open by lifting his fourth straight Grand Slam title.

World number one Novak Djokovic's French Open preparations were dealt with a blow as he suffered a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 defeat by Russian Daniil Medvedev in the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-finals on Friday (April 19).

World number one Novak Djokovic's French Open preparations were dealt with a blow as he suffered a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 defeat by Russian Daniil Medvedev in the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-finals on Friday (April 19). Djokovic, a two-time champion in Monte Carlo, roared back to level the contest after dropping the first set but that did not prevent the 23-year-old Medvedev from claiming the biggest victory of his career. Medvedev had lost each of his previous three encounters against Djokovic but on this occasion broke his Serbian opponent's serve five times to move into the final four. Medvedev will next face another Serb, Dusan Lajovic, who followed up his shock win over world number five Dominic Thiem with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Italian qualifier Lorenzo Sonego. For Djokovic, it was another premature exit from an ATP Masters 1000 event after he crashed out in the early rounds at Indian Wells and Miami last month. The 31-year-old has struggled for rhythm in his first clay court event of the season and will need step up his game to have a chance of completing a personal sweep at next month's French Open by lifting his fourth straight Grand Slam title.

Novak Djokovic falls to Daniil Medvedev in Monte Carlo quarters

A clinical Roger Federer took a confident step towards a fourth Miami Open title on Wednesday, easing past 13th-seeded Russian Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-2 to book his spot in the quarter-finals.

Federer, a winner of 100 career titles, can look back on dozens of brilliant performances and the Swiss maestro could add his ruthless fourth-round win over the red hot Russian to that list.

With 17 match wins, no player has had more success this year than the lanky Russian but Medvedev had no answers for a rampaging Federer, who needed just 61 minutes to reach the last eight, where he will take on towering sixth-seeded South African Kevin Anderson.

"There were really long rallies, tactical points. The big points went my way and that was the difference," said Federer.

"I'm serving great this week and hope I can keep it up in the next round."

The match got off to a routine start until Federer took control.

With Medvedev 4-3 up in the first, the 20-times grand slam champion swept the next five games to take the opener and a 2-0 lead in the second.

Medvedev halted the bleeding with a hold at 2-1 but there was no stopping the fourth-seeded Federer who claimed a second break to go up 5-2 and then had an easy hold to seal a business-like victory.

The Russian could not convert any of his three breakpoints, while Federer took all three of his.

Federer's fourth-round contest had been scheduled for Tuesday but was moved due to rain, giving the 37-year-old Swiss little time to recover before facing the hard-hitting Anderson, who was a 7-5 winner over Australian Jordan Thompson.

Defending champion John Isner came out on the winning side of two tie-breakers in his afternoon battle with Roberto Bautista Agut to advance 7-6(1), 7-6(5) to the semi-finals of the tournament, where he has yet to drop a set.

The seventh-seeded American thumped 25 aces to see off the Spaniard and will next face either 18-year-old Canadian Felix Auger Aliassime or defensive baseliner Borna Coric, who play their quarter-final in the night session on Wednesday.

A clinical Roger Federer took a confident step towards a fourth Miami Open title on Wednesday, easing past 13th-seeded Russian Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-2 to book his spot in the quarter-finals.

A clinical Roger Federer took a confident step towards a fourth Miami Open title on Wednesday, easing past 13th-seeded Russian Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-2 to book his spot in the quarter-finals. Federer, a winner of 100 career titles, can look back on dozens of brilliant performances and the Swiss maestro could add his ruthless fourth-round win over the red hot Russian to that list. With 17 match wins, no player has had more success this year than the lanky Russian but Medvedev had no answers for a rampaging Federer, who needed just 61 minutes to reach the last eight, where he will take on towering sixth-seeded South African Kevin Anderson. "There were really long rallies, tactical points. The big points went my way and that was the difference," said Federer. "I'm serving great this week and hope I can keep it up in the next round." The match got off to a routine start until Federer took control. With Medvedev 4-3 up in the first, the 20-times grand slam champion swept the next five games to take the opener and a 2-0 lead in the second. Medvedev halted the bleeding with a hold at 2-1 but there was no stopping the fourth-seeded Federer who claimed a second break to go up 5-2 and then had an easy hold to seal a business-like victory. The Russian could not convert any of his three breakpoints, while Federer took all three of his. Federer's fourth-round contest had been scheduled for Tuesday but was moved due to rain, giving the 37-year-old Swiss little time to recover before facing the hard-hitting Anderson, who was a 7-5 winner over Australian Jordan Thompson. Defending champion John Isner came out on the winning side of two tie-breakers in his afternoon battle with Roberto Bautista Agut to advance 7-6(1), 7-6(5) to the semi-finals of the tournament, where he has yet to drop a set. The seventh-seeded American thumped 25 aces to see off the Spaniard and will next face either 18-year-old Canadian Felix Auger Aliassime or defensive baseliner Borna Coric, who play their quarter-final in the night session on Wednesday.

Miami Open: Roger Federer eases past Daniil Medvedev into quarters

Japanese star Kei Nishikori was in superb form as he demolished Jeremy Chardy 6-2, 6-2 in the semi-finals of the Brisbane International on Saturday.

The 29-year-old gave his French opponent no chance as he put on a commanding all court display to advance to the final for the second time in three years.

After his impressive straight sets quarter-final win over Grigor Dimitrov, Nishikori said he had set his sights on returning to the world's top five after falling to 39 last April due to a wrist injury at the end of 2017 that required time away from the tour.

And he showed all the qualities of a top five player in his 66-minute demolition at the Pat Rafter Arena.

He only served two aces compared with the 11 sent down by Chardy, but Nishikori returned superbly and pressured the Frenchman's serve throughout, breaking him twice in each set.

Nishikori also moved around the court well, his speed not noticeably affected by the injuries that hampered him last year.

"Everything was working well today," Nishikori said.

"I felt like I was too fast on the court today -- I felt very good.

"Physically and tennis-wise I think it was perfect. I served well, I returned well -- I think that was the key today -- and I was moving well, that was fantastic."

Nishikori was runner-up to Dimitrov in 2017 and will go into Sunday's final against either fourth-seeded Russian Daniil Medvedev or Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga as firm favourite.

Japanese star Kei Nishikori was in superb form as he demolished Jeremy Chardy 6-2, 6-2 in the semi-finals of the Brisbane International on Saturday. The 29-year-old gave his French opponent no chance as he put on a commanding all court display to advance to the final for the second time in three years.

Japanese star Kei Nishikori was in superb form as he demolished Jeremy Chardy 6-2, 6-2 in the semi-finals of the Brisbane International on Saturday. The 29-year-old gave his French opponent no chance as he put on a commanding all court display to advance to the final for the second time in three years. After his impressive straight sets quarter-final win over Grigor Dimitrov, Nishikori said he had set his sights on returning to the world's top five after falling to 39 last April due to a wrist injury at the end of 2017 that required time away from the tour. And he showed all the qualities of a top five player in his 66-minute demolition at the Pat Rafter Arena. He only served two aces compared with the 11 sent down by Chardy, but Nishikori returned superbly and pressured the Frenchman's serve throughout, breaking him twice in each set. Nishikori also moved around the court well, his speed not noticeably affected by the injuries that hampered him last year. "Everything was working well today," Nishikori said. "I felt like I was too fast on the court today -- I felt very good. "Physically and tennis-wise I think it was perfect. I served well, I returned well -- I think that was the key today -- and I was moving well, that was fantastic." Nishikori was runner-up to Dimitrov in 2017 and will go into Sunday's final against either fourth-seeded Russian Daniil Medvedev or Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga as firm favourite.

Kei Nishikori powers through to Brisbane final

Andy Murray's latest comeback from a persistent hip issue ended prematurely on Wednesday when he was beaten 7-5 6-2 by Russia's Daniil Medvedev in the second round of the Brisbane International.

Murray cut short his season last September after suffering pain in his hip following surgery earlier in the year that ruled him out of three of the four Grand Slam tournaments.

The 31-year-old had defeated local hope James Duckworth in his season opener on Tuesday but was comprehensively beaten by fourth seed Medvedev who fired 16 aces and lost only seven of his first-service points in the contest.

"I think he served extremely well, I didn't really get many chances on his&nbsp; 
service games," Murray, who won the tournament in both of his previous appearances in 2012 and 2013, said.

"And then on my own service games I made too many errors in the rallies, especially early on I was trying to play a little bit more offensive. In the second set, I made too many mistakes.

"I think when you play better players... they will expose any errors that you make in your game or any shots that you`re not hitting particularly well. And he did that tonight."

Medvedev next faces Canada's Milos Raonic who eased past Serbian qualifier Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3 7-6(2).

The tournament lost another big name when Rafa Nadal pulled out due to a thigh strain, casting doubt on his participation in this month's Australian Open.

Jeremy Chardy rallied to beat holder Nick Kyrgios 6-7(5) 6-2 6-3 to leave Alex De Minaur as the sole Australian man remaining in the draw after the 19-year-old beat Jordan Thompson 6-4 6-2.

Grigor Dimitrov downed local favourite John Millman 6-3 6-4 to set up a quarter-final with Japan`s Kei Nishikori.

In the women's competition, unseeded Anett Kontaveit upset double&nbsp; 
Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova 7-5 7-6(1) before paying tribute to fellow Estonian Kaia Kanepi who had claimed the Brisbane title in 2012.

"We're a really small country. Kaia has led the way for me. She won this tournament a few years ago – she`s shown you can make it in tennis," Kontaveit, ranked 20 in the world, said.

Former champion Karolina Pliskova outclassed Marie Bouzkova 7-5 6-2 to set up a clash with Ajla Tomljanovic who ended the run of Briton Johanna Konta winning 6-2 7-6(2).

Andy Murray's latest comeback from a persistent hip issue ended prematurely on Wednesday when he was beaten 7-5 6-2 by Russia's Daniil Medvedev in the second round of the Brisbane International.

Andy Murray's latest comeback from a persistent hip issue ended prematurely on Wednesday when he was beaten 7-5 6-2 by Russia's Daniil Medvedev in the second round of the Brisbane International. Murray cut short his season last September after suffering pain in his hip following surgery earlier in the year that ruled him out of three of the four Grand Slam tournaments. The 31-year-old had defeated local hope James Duckworth in his season opener on Tuesday but was comprehensively beaten by fourth seed Medvedev who fired 16 aces and lost only seven of his first-service points in the contest. "I think he served extremely well, I didn't really get many chances on his service games," Murray, who won the tournament in both of his previous appearances in 2012 and 2013, said. "And then on my own service games I made too many errors in the rallies, especially early on I was trying to play a little bit more offensive. In the second set, I made too many mistakes. "I think when you play better players... they will expose any errors that you make in your game or any shots that you`re not hitting particularly well. And he did that tonight." Medvedev next faces Canada's Milos Raonic who eased past Serbian qualifier Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3 7-6(2). The tournament lost another big name when Rafa Nadal pulled out due to a thigh strain, casting doubt on his participation in this month's Australian Open. Jeremy Chardy rallied to beat holder Nick Kyrgios 6-7(5) 6-2 6-3 to leave Alex De Minaur as the sole Australian man remaining in the draw after the 19-year-old beat Jordan Thompson 6-4 6-2. Grigor Dimitrov downed local favourite John Millman 6-3 6-4 to set up a quarter-final with Japan`s Kei Nishikori. In the women's competition, unseeded Anett Kontaveit upset double Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova 7-5 7-6(1) before paying tribute to fellow Estonian Kaia Kanepi who had claimed the Brisbane title in 2012. "We're a really small country. Kaia has led the way for me. She won this tournament a few years ago – she`s shown you can make it in tennis," Kontaveit, ranked 20 in the world, said. Former champion Karolina Pliskova outclassed Marie Bouzkova 7-5 6-2 to set up a clash with Ajla Tomljanovic who ended the run of Briton Johanna Konta winning 6-2 7-6(2).

Andy Murray's comeback halted by Medvedev in Brisbane second round

Roger Federer will face Romanian qualifier Marius Copil in the final of the Swiss Indoors in Basel after storming past seventh seed Daniil Medvedev 6-1, 6-4 on Saturday.

Copil, the world number 93, stunned second seed Alexander Zverev of Germany 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-4 in the day's other semi-final.

Federer was pushed to three sets by Medvedev when the two met at the Shanghai Masters earlier this month, but there was never any danger of the Swiss suffering a repeat.

The 37-year-old saved a break point in the first game and, his nerves settled, set about the task of outclassing his opponent with clinical precision to reach his 14th Basel final.

After tamely surrendering the first set in 20 minutes, Medvedev found himself trailing 5-1 in the second but managed to fend off a match point and hold serve.

The Russian, who has won titles in Tokyo, Winston-Salem and Sydney this season, then broke Federer to love to keep his hopes of an unlikely comeback alive but the Swiss snuffed them out in his next service game, wrapping up the win in 65 minutes.

Standing between Federer and what would be his ninth career title at his hometown tournament is the unfancied Copil, who beat world number six Marin Cilic earlier in the week.

The 28-year-old Romanian turned in a gritty performance against world number five Zverev, serving and volleying and mixing up his shots from behind the baseline to prevent the German from finding any sort of rhythm.

He sent down 26 aces and won 85 percent of his first serve points, including 17 of 18 in the final set, as he ground out the victory in two hours and 30 minutes.

"It's been an unbelievable week for me so far," Copil said. "Before coming here, I was fighting and struggling to have the (ranking) points to finish in the top 100, and that was in my mind.

"I was trying to win one or two matches here just to stay there. But now being in the final, it's an unbelievable achievement for me."

Roger Federer will face Romanian qualifier Marius Copil in the final of the Swiss Indoors in Basel after storming past seventh seed Daniil Medvedev 6-1, 6-4 on Saturday.

Roger Federer will face Romanian qualifier Marius Copil in the final of the Swiss Indoors in Basel after storming past seventh seed Daniil Medvedev 6-1, 6-4 on Saturday. Copil, the world number 93, stunned second seed Alexander Zverev of Germany 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-4 in the day's other semi-final. Federer was pushed to three sets by Medvedev when the two met at the Shanghai Masters earlier this month, but there was never any danger of the Swiss suffering a repeat. The 37-year-old saved a break point in the first game and, his nerves settled, set about the task of outclassing his opponent with clinical precision to reach his 14th Basel final. After tamely surrendering the first set in 20 minutes, Medvedev found himself trailing 5-1 in the second but managed to fend off a match point and hold serve. The Russian, who has won titles in Tokyo, Winston-Salem and Sydney this season, then broke Federer to love to keep his hopes of an unlikely comeback alive but the Swiss snuffed them out in his next service game, wrapping up the win in 65 minutes. Standing between Federer and what would be his ninth career title at his hometown tournament is the unfancied Copil, who beat world number six Marin Cilic earlier in the week. The 28-year-old Romanian turned in a gritty performance against world number five Zverev, serving and volleying and mixing up his shots from behind the baseline to prevent the German from finding any sort of rhythm. He sent down 26 aces and won 85 percent of his first serve points, including 17 of 18 in the final set, as he ground out the victory in two hours and 30 minutes. "It's been an unbelievable week for me so far," Copil said. "Before coming here, I was fighting and struggling to have the (ranking) points to finish in the top 100, and that was in my mind. "I was trying to win one or two matches here just to stay there. But now being in the final, it's an unbelievable achievement for me."

Swiss Indoors: Roger Federer to face Marius Copil in final

Twenty-time Grand Slam Roger Federer will look to start his campaign at the ongoing Shanghai Master on a winning note while facing Daniil Medvedev of Russia in their Round Two match of the men's singles event here on Wednesday.

The 37-year-old will be heading into the tournament, having won 13 of his last 16 matches.

Since missing out on the US Open title after being defeated by Australia's John Millman in their pre-quarters clash, he had played just two matches in Laver Cup.

Medvedev, on the other hand, is also on a roll having recently clinched the Japan Open trophy after registering a stunning victory over home favourite Kei Nishikori. Both the players will be playing for the first time against each other.

Meanwhile, Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic moved to the third round of the ongoing tournament after thrashing France`s Jeremy Chardy 6-3, 7-5 in their round of 32 clash.

Twenty-time Grand Slam Roger Federer will look to start his campaign at the ongoing Shanghai Master on a winning note while facing Daniil Medvedev of Russia in their Round Two match of the men's singles event here on Wednesday.

Twenty-time Grand Slam Roger Federer will look to start his campaign at the ongoing Shanghai Master on a winning note while facing Daniil Medvedev of Russia in their Round Two match of the men's singles event here on Wednesday. The 37-year-old will be heading into the tournament, having won 13 of his last 16 matches. Since missing out on the US Open title after being defeated by Australia's John Millman in their pre-quarters clash, he had played just two matches in Laver Cup. Medvedev, on the other hand, is also on a roll having recently clinched the Japan Open trophy after registering a stunning victory over home favourite Kei Nishikori. Both the players will be playing for the first time against each other. Meanwhile, Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic moved to the third round of the ongoing tournament after thrashing France`s Jeremy Chardy 6-3, 7-5 in their round of 32 clash.

Roger Federer looks to kickstart Shanghai Masters with a bang

Russian qualifier Daniil Medvedev stunned home favourite Kei Nishikori in Tokyo on Sunday, winning the final of the Japan Open 6-2, 6-4 in just over one hour.

Medvedev came out of the blocks fast and Nishikori, aiming for his third title at this event, could not cope with the big-hitting Russian who broke his serve at the second time of asking.

After that, it was a story of mistakes by world number 12 Nishikori - 11 unforced errors in the first set - and consistent serving by Medvedev who strolled to a 6-2 first set in just 25 minutes.

Nishikori corrected issues with his own serve in the second set but still could not have an impact on Medvedev’s service games, winning only one point on the Russian’s serve during the entirety of the second set.

Medvedev bided his time and broke a tired Nishikori, whose final shot was another wild miss, to wrap up the victory and secure a third ATP title of the season.

Nishikori has now lost eight ATP finals since his last victory, which came at the Memphis Open in February 2016.

Russian qualifier Daniil Medvedev stunned home favourite Kei Nishikori in Tokyo on Sunday, winning the final of the Japan Open 6-2, 6-4 in just over one hour. Medvedev came out of the blocks fast and Nishikori, aiming for his third title at this event, could not cope with the big-hitting Russian who broke his serve at the second time of asking.

Russian qualifier Daniil Medvedev stunned home favourite Kei Nishikori in Tokyo on Sunday, winning the final of the Japan Open 6-2, 6-4 in just over one hour. Medvedev came out of the blocks fast and Nishikori, aiming for his third title at this event, could not cope with the big-hitting Russian who broke his serve at the second time of asking. After that, it was a story of mistakes by world number 12 Nishikori - 11 unforced errors in the first set - and consistent serving by Medvedev who strolled to a 6-2 first set in just 25 minutes. Nishikori corrected issues with his own serve in the second set but still could not have an impact on Medvedev’s service games, winning only one point on the Russian’s serve during the entirety of the second set. Medvedev bided his time and broke a tired Nishikori, whose final shot was another wild miss, to wrap up the victory and secure a third ATP title of the season. Nishikori has now lost eight ATP finals since his last victory, which came at the Memphis Open in February 2016.

Daniil Medvedev shocks Nishikori to win Japan Open

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