Italian 19-year-old Jannik Sinner became the Barcelona Open's youngest semi-finalist since 2005 after overcoming Russian Andrey Rublev 6-2, 7-6 (8/6) on Friday.

Sinner, ranked 19th in the world, will next face Stefanos Tsitsipas after the Greek second seed defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-3.

"I am trying to get better every week," Sinner said.&nbsp;

"He (Rublev) has played many, many matches already this year and I tried to play my tennis.&nbsp;

"It was difficult to finish it off. I had three break points at 5-5 (in the second set), which I could not convert, but I'm pleased to win in the end," he added.

Rafael Nadal, who has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, reached the Barcelona last four as an 18-year-old 16 years ago.

Nadal faces Britain's Cameron Norrie later for a place in the semis as he seeks a 12th title in Barcelona.

Italian 19-year-old Jannik Sinner became the Barcelona Open's youngest semi-finalist since 2005 after overcoming Russian Andrey Rublev 6-2, 7-6 (8/6) on Friday. Sinner, ranked 19th in the world, will next face Stefanos Tsitsipas after the Greek second seed defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-3.

Italian 19-year-old Jannik Sinner became the Barcelona Open's youngest semi-finalist since 2005 after overcoming Russian Andrey Rublev 6-2, 7-6 (8/6) on Friday. Sinner, ranked 19th in the world, will next face Stefanos Tsitsipas after the Greek second seed defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-3. "I am trying to get better every week," Sinner said. "He (Rublev) has played many, many matches already this year and I tried to play my tennis. "It was difficult to finish it off. I had three break points at 5-5 (in the second set), which I could not convert, but I'm pleased to win in the end," he added. Rafael Nadal, who has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, reached the Barcelona last four as an 18-year-old 16 years ago. Nadal faces Britain's Cameron Norrie later for a place in the semis as he seeks a 12th title in Barcelona.

Sinner to play Tsitsipas in Barcelona semi-finals

Novak Djokovic bounced back from his shock early defeat by Dan Evans in Monte Carlo last week with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Kwon Soon-woo to reach the Serbian Open quarter-finals on Wednesday.

The world number one, warming up for the start of the French Open next month, will face fellow home hope Miomir Kecmanovic in the last eight in Belgrade.

It was plain sailing for Djokovic, whose loss to Evans was his first of the season, as he won in only an hour and 10 minutes.

The 33-year-old's Australian Open triumph earlier this year took him within two of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's joint all-time record of 20 Grand Slam men's singles titles.

He will be bidding for a second Roland Garros crown when the clay-court major gets underway on May 30, having suffered a straight-sets thrashing by old rival Nadal in the 2020 final.

Djokovic cruised into a 6-1, 5-2 lead against world number 85 Kwon without facing a break point.

The South Korean broke the top seed when he served for the match, but Djokovic quashed any hopes of an unlikely comeback by breaking to love to secure a comfortable win.

Novak Djokovic bounced back from his shock early defeat by Dan Evans in Monte Carlo last week with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Kwon Soon-woo to reach the Serbian Open quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Novak Djokovic bounced back from his shock early defeat by Dan Evans in Monte Carlo last week with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Kwon Soon-woo to reach the Serbian Open quarter-finals on Wednesday. The world number one, warming up for the start of the French Open next month, will face fellow home hope Miomir Kecmanovic in the last eight in Belgrade. It was plain sailing for Djokovic, whose loss to Evans was his first of the season, as he won in only an hour and 10 minutes. The 33-year-old's Australian Open triumph earlier this year took him within two of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's joint all-time record of 20 Grand Slam men's singles titles. He will be bidding for a second Roland Garros crown when the clay-court major gets underway on May 30, having suffered a straight-sets thrashing by old rival Nadal in the 2020 final. Djokovic cruised into a 6-1, 5-2 lead against world number 85 Kwon without facing a break point. The South Korean broke the top seed when he served for the match, but Djokovic quashed any hopes of an unlikely comeback by breaking to love to secure a comfortable win.

Novak Djokovic cruises into Belgrade quarter-finals

As former champion Ashleigh Barty prepares for Roland Garros on May 30, the Australian brushed off any regrets about missing the French Open last year.

She won her only major singles title in Paris in 2019 but after the 2020 event was postponed to September/October she chose not to attend due to issues related to the pandemic.

"It's a long time since I've played at the French Open," she said in Stuttgart on Monday, ahead of her first match on European clay in almost two years.&nbsp;

In her absence the 2020 women's Roland Garros title was won by Iga Swiatek.&nbsp;

The Polish teenager burst onto the tennis scene when she claimed the French crown, defeating then world number six Sofia Kenin in the final.

But Barty said 2021 would be an all round reset.

"It's a fresh start, a fresh start for everyone at that event."

She made clear that her approach was also practical.&nbsp;

"It's a fresh tournament, and it's a new opportunity."

The 24-year-old Barty and American Jennifer Brady crushed American pair Kaitlyn Christian and Sabrina Santamaria 6-3, 6-1 in the Stuttgart doubles round of 16 on Monday.

Barty received a bye to the singles second round, where she will face one of two Germans, either Laura Siegemund or Mona Barthel.

After Stuttgart she plans to play on clay in Madrid and Rome before Roland Garros.

She opened her clay-court season by reaching the quarterfinals in Charleston, South Carolina, at the start of the month.

Even though she skipped much of last season, she is ranked No. 1 in the world and won the hard-court Miami Open which preceded Charleston, but she was cagey about her form.

"From the outside it's judged on results, which can be accurate," she said.&nbsp;

"There have been times I've felt I've been in great form but haven't been winning matches and vice versa. Other ones when I haven't been able to find anything close to the middle of the racket but you find a way through matches."

"It's important not to be completely results driven when you're thinking of your form."

Roland Garros is starting a week later than originally scheduled.

"It's cut into a week of the grass-court season which is very short already," Barty said.

"I don't think a week preparing into Wimbledon will make a huge difference to those in the main draw."

Barty, who is from Queensland, took a break last year to avoid travelling during the pandemic.

She has in the past talked of homesickness, and moving between north American and European due to the season is keeping her far from home.

"Part and parcel of travelling is being comfortable away from home or as comfortable as you can be," she said.&nbsp;

"Obviously I'm a homebody. I love being at home with my family," she said, adding that she tries to speak to them as much as possible.

"Technology is a wonderful thing," she said.

"I love what I do. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to do what I love in the current situation in the world."

As former champion Ashleigh Barty prepares for Roland Garros on May 30, the Australian brushed off any regrets about missing the French Open last year. She won her only major singles title in Paris in 2019 but after the 2020 event was postponed to September/October she chose not to attend due to issues related to the pandemic.

As former champion Ashleigh Barty prepares for Roland Garros on May 30, the Australian brushed off any regrets about missing the French Open last year. She won her only major singles title in Paris in 2019 but after the 2020 event was postponed to September/October she chose not to attend due to issues related to the pandemic. "It's a long time since I've played at the French Open," she said in Stuttgart on Monday, ahead of her first match on European clay in almost two years. In her absence the 2020 women's Roland Garros title was won by Iga Swiatek. The Polish teenager burst onto the tennis scene when she claimed the French crown, defeating then world number six Sofia Kenin in the final. But Barty said 2021 would be an all round reset. "It's a fresh start, a fresh start for everyone at that event." She made clear that her approach was also practical. "It's a fresh tournament, and it's a new opportunity." The 24-year-old Barty and American Jennifer Brady crushed American pair Kaitlyn Christian and Sabrina Santamaria 6-3, 6-1 in the Stuttgart doubles round of 16 on Monday. Barty received a bye to the singles second round, where she will face one of two Germans, either Laura Siegemund or Mona Barthel. After Stuttgart she plans to play on clay in Madrid and Rome before Roland Garros. She opened her clay-court season by reaching the quarterfinals in Charleston, South Carolina, at the start of the month. Even though she skipped much of last season, she is ranked No. 1 in the world and won the hard-court Miami Open which preceded Charleston, but she was cagey about her form. "From the outside it's judged on results, which can be accurate," she said. "There have been times I've felt I've been in great form but haven't been winning matches and vice versa. Other ones when I haven't been able to find anything close to the middle of the racket but you find a way through matches." "It's important not to be completely results driven when you're thinking of your form." Roland Garros is starting a week later than originally scheduled. "It's cut into a week of the grass-court season which is very short already," Barty said. "I don't think a week preparing into Wimbledon will make a huge difference to those in the main draw." Barty, who is from Queensland, took a break last year to avoid travelling during the pandemic. She has in the past talked of homesickness, and moving between north American and European due to the season is keeping her far from home. "Part and parcel of travelling is being comfortable away from home or as comfortable as you can be," she said. "Obviously I'm a homebody. I love being at home with my family," she said, adding that she tries to speak to them as much as possible. "Technology is a wonderful thing," she said. "I love what I do. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to do what I love in the current situation in the world."

Barty sees Roland Garros return as a 'fresh start'

World number one Novak Djokovic will relaunch the Serbia Open tournament in Belgrade on Monday, less than a year after a charity event he organised in the city ended in fiasco.

Djokovic was among several players to test positive after last year's event, which was held in front of thousands of fans with no social distancing.

Organisers insist that the forthcoming ATP clay court event scheduled for April 19-25 will be very different -- no fans will be allowed and Covid protocols will apply.

The Novak Tennis Centre in Belgrade will also stage a second clay court event from May 24 on the eve of Roland Garros.

Apart from Djokovic, other top players in Belgrade this week event will include Italy's Matteo Berrettini as well as Russian sensation Aslan Karatsev who made the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year.

The tournament is organised by the 33-year-old's family with his younger brother Djordje acting as director, and will be played in his "Novak" facility where he regularly trains.

The Serbian capital stepped in, relaunching the Serbia Open after a nine-year hiatus, after Budapest withdrew from organising a tournament.

<h2>- 'Controlled spaces' -</h2>

Fans will not be allowed in the stands, while the players will have to follow "strict security protocols" prescribed by the ATP, Djordje Djokovic told the N1 TV channel.

"Masks will be mandatory, inside and outside. We want to respect the rules in order to protect the players." &nbsp;

He added that the players would be housed in "controlled spaces", noting that "isolation is currently a necessity".

According to tennis expert Nebojsa Viskovic, organising the tournament by the book is crucial to revamp the world number one's tarnished reputation as a host.

"The organisers will certainly want to improve this image (of Djokovic) and this is what motivated their decision that there would be no audience this year," Viskovic told AFP.

<h2>- Shirtless in a nightclub -</h2>

Months after tennis went into lockdown last March, Djokovic launched an ill-fated charity competition in Belgrade.

The Adria Tour packed in 4,000 spectators, players shook hands and took selfies with fans, and ball boys and girls handled sweaty towels.

Djokovic and other tennis stars including Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev were heavily criticised after being photographed partying shirtless at a teeming Belgrade night club.

The inevitable happened. Djokovic and his wife Jelena were among a clutch of people linked to the event to test positive for the virus -- Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki also falling ill.

The tournament -- branded by the media as a "coronavirus horror show" -- was abruptly cancelled because of the infections, Djokovic later saying he was "deeply sorry" that the tournament "caused harm".

<h2>- 'They are only human' -</h2>

However, the Adria Tour was held in accordance with Serbian regulations at the time -- most restrictions had been lifted ahead of parliamentary elections.

"We trusted the Serbian government's coronavirus rules, but we have been too optimistic," Thiem, who tested negative, said after the tournament.

According to Viskovic, players were also "a little too euphoric" at getting back to the game in front of the fans after months of isolation.

"After all, they are only human", he said.

"Perhaps the criticism was too harsh, the organisers did not do anything against the rules," Serbian player Troicki told AFP.

He said the Adria Tour perhaps came too soon, but insisted "this time there will be no problems".

However, even after the tournament, Djokovic continued to spark controversy, particularly with his opposition to vaccination.

The Serbia Open had four editions between 2009 and 2012 and the organisers not only intend to maintain the slot in the circuit's schedule, but also to raise it to the next level.

"The ATP is so far very satisfied with what we have done and we hope to get the best marks and, within a year or two, get rewarded with an ATP 500 licence" Djordje Djokovic said.

A WTA Serbia Open tournament for female tennis players will be held also in Belgrade from May 16.

Djokovic, who suffered his first loss of 2021 in Monte Carlo on Thursday, is top seed in Belgrade and has a bye in the opening round.

World number one Novak Djokovic will relaunch the Serbia Open tournament in Belgrade on Monday, less than a year after a charity event he organised in the city ended in fiasco.

World number one Novak Djokovic will relaunch the Serbia Open tournament in Belgrade on Monday, less than a year after a charity event he organised in the city ended in fiasco. Djokovic was among several players to test positive after last year's event, which was held in front of thousands of fans with no social distancing. Organisers insist that the forthcoming ATP clay court event scheduled for April 19-25 will be very different -- no fans will be allowed and Covid protocols will apply. The Novak Tennis Centre in Belgrade will also stage a second clay court event from May 24 on the eve of Roland Garros. Apart from Djokovic, other top players in Belgrade this week event will include Italy's Matteo Berrettini as well as Russian sensation Aslan Karatsev who made the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year. The tournament is organised by the 33-year-old's family with his younger brother Djordje acting as director, and will be played in his "Novak" facility where he regularly trains. The Serbian capital stepped in, relaunching the Serbia Open after a nine-year hiatus, after Budapest withdrew from organising a tournament. - 'Controlled spaces' - Fans will not be allowed in the stands, while the players will have to follow "strict security protocols" prescribed by the ATP, Djordje Djokovic told the N1 TV channel. "Masks will be mandatory, inside and outside. We want to respect the rules in order to protect the players." He added that the players would be housed in "controlled spaces", noting that "isolation is currently a necessity". According to tennis expert Nebojsa Viskovic, organising the tournament by the book is crucial to revamp the world number one's tarnished reputation as a host. "The organisers will certainly want to improve this image (of Djokovic) and this is what motivated their decision that there would be no audience this year," Viskovic told AFP. - Shirtless in a nightclub - Months after tennis went into lockdown last March, Djokovic launched an ill-fated charity competition in Belgrade. The Adria Tour packed in 4,000 spectators, players shook hands and took selfies with fans, and ball boys and girls handled sweaty towels. Djokovic and other tennis stars including Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev were heavily criticised after being photographed partying shirtless at a teeming Belgrade night club. The inevitable happened. Djokovic and his wife Jelena were among a clutch of people linked to the event to test positive for the virus -- Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki also falling ill. The tournament -- branded by the media as a "coronavirus horror show" -- was abruptly cancelled because of the infections, Djokovic later saying he was "deeply sorry" that the tournament "caused harm". - 'They are only human' - However, the Adria Tour was held in accordance with Serbian regulations at the time -- most restrictions had been lifted ahead of parliamentary elections. "We trusted the Serbian government's coronavirus rules, but we have been too optimistic," Thiem, who tested negative, said after the tournament. According to Viskovic, players were also "a little too euphoric" at getting back to the game in front of the fans after months of isolation. "After all, they are only human", he said. "Perhaps the criticism was too harsh, the organisers did not do anything against the rules," Serbian player Troicki told AFP. He said the Adria Tour perhaps came too soon, but insisted "this time there will be no problems". However, even after the tournament, Djokovic continued to spark controversy, particularly with his opposition to vaccination. The Serbia Open had four editions between 2009 and 2012 and the organisers not only intend to maintain the slot in the circuit's schedule, but also to raise it to the next level. "The ATP is so far very satisfied with what we have done and we hope to get the best marks and, within a year or two, get rewarded with an ATP 500 licence" Djordje Djokovic said. A WTA Serbia Open tournament for female tennis players will be held also in Belgrade from May 16. Djokovic, who suffered his first loss of 2021 in Monte Carlo on Thursday, is top seed in Belgrade and has a bye in the opening round.

Djokovic to host Serbia tournament a year after Covid fiasco

Empty stands has been the new normal for tennis since last year due to COVID-19 restrictions but top men's players like Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic said they still find it difficult to maintain their intensity during matches in the absence of fans.

The professional circuit was shut down for several months last year before tournament organisers set up 'biosecure bubbles' for players and support staff while keeping fans away from stadiums.

Barring the swing in Australia in February, tournaments continue to be played in front of a handful of fans at most.

Nadal lost some of his intensity during Wednesday's 6-1 6-2 win over Argentine Delbonis at the Monte Carlo Masters and the Spaniard was in no doubt the absence of fans took something away from the game.

"It's difficult to keep going sometimes with the same intensity without the crowd," the 20-times Grand Slam champion told reporters.

"The crowd helps you to keep going. You want to show that you are in good shape.

"It's true, personally I miss the crowd. I can't lie about that. I enjoy much more playing in front of a good crowd than without."

World number one Djokovic produced a high-level performance to beat Italian 19-year-old Jannik Sinner 6-4 6-2 at the ATP Masters 1000 event but he too said he missed the energy generated by spectators.

"We need crowds back on the stands. The crowd gives us so much energy. Also, it adds to the motivation in a sense to what we do, the sport that we are a part of," said Djokovic.

The Serb conceded however that he had been able to focus a bit more without all the noise.

"We have this calm and kind of serenity on the stands and on the court," he added. "It just allows you to maybe focus on yourself a bit more, not have maybe as many distractions around that can happen."

Empty stands has been the new normal for tennis since last year due to COVID-19 restrictions but top men's players like Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic said they still find it difficult to maintain their intensity during matches in the absence of fans.

Empty stands has been the new normal for tennis since last year due to COVID-19 restrictions but top men's players like Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic said they still find it difficult to maintain their intensity during matches in the absence of fans. The professional circuit was shut down for several months last year before tournament organisers set up 'biosecure bubbles' for players and support staff while keeping fans away from stadiums. Barring the swing in Australia in February, tournaments continue to be played in front of a handful of fans at most. Nadal lost some of his intensity during Wednesday's 6-1 6-2 win over Argentine Delbonis at the Monte Carlo Masters and the Spaniard was in no doubt the absence of fans took something away from the game. "It's difficult to keep going sometimes with the same intensity without the crowd," the 20-times Grand Slam champion told reporters. "The crowd helps you to keep going. You want to show that you are in good shape. "It's true, personally I miss the crowd. I can't lie about that. I enjoy much more playing in front of a good crowd than without." World number one Djokovic produced a high-level performance to beat Italian 19-year-old Jannik Sinner 6-4 6-2 at the ATP Masters 1000 event but he too said he missed the energy generated by spectators. "We need crowds back on the stands. The crowd gives us so much energy. Also, it adds to the motivation in a sense to what we do, the sport that we are a part of," said Djokovic. The Serb conceded however that he had been able to focus a bit more without all the noise. "We have this calm and kind of serenity on the stands and on the court," he added. "It just allows you to maybe focus on yourself a bit more, not have maybe as many distractions around that can happen."

No fans in stands: Nadal, Djokovic miss the 'energy'

Stefanos Tsitsipas made a winning start to the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday after the world number five cruised past Aslan Karatsev 6-3, 6-4 and into the last 16.

Greek Tsitsipas, who had been given a bye into the second round, took just one hour and 24 minutes to beat 29th-ranked Russian Karatsev.

The 22-year-old exploited a whopping 32 unforced errors from Karatsev to set up a clash with either Australian John Millman or Chile's Cristian Garin.

Novak Djokovic meanwhile will face Jannik Sinner in his second round match after the up-and-coming Italian saw off Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.

Teenager Sinner has risen to 22nd in the world rankings after reaching the final of the Miami Open earlier this month.

"I will definitely have a game plan," Sinner said of what will be his first meeting with Djokovic.

"I know who is on the other side. Obviously it's a tough match I think from my side, because I don't know him that well. I have seen him a lot on TV, watching matches. But when you play against him in a match, it's different. I'm looking forward to that match."

Sinner, one of five Italians to reach the second round Tuesday in Monte Carlo, is 15-5 this year but is competing in the main draw of a Masters 1000 event for just the fourth time.

"It's a good test for my side to see where I am, especially where I can improve," he added. "I know where I can improve, but this kind of match can give me a lot. I just try to go there with the right mentality like in every match."

Earlier on Tuesday, Daniil Medvedev pulled out of the tournament after testing positive for Covid-19.

World number two Medvedev tested positive on Monday having practised with Rafael Nadal the day before.

Organisers, contacted by AFP, declined to comment on whether third seed Nadal risked being identified as a 'close contact' of Medvedev and forced to quarantine.

Nadal is seeded to meet Djokovic in the final as he chases a 12th triumph in Monte Carlo, a key clay court tournament in the run up to the French Open.

Stefanos Tsitsipas made a winning start to the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday after the world number five cruised past Aslan Karatsev 6-3, 6-4 and into the last 16.

Stefanos Tsitsipas made a winning start to the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday after the world number five cruised past Aslan Karatsev 6-3, 6-4 and into the last 16. Greek Tsitsipas, who had been given a bye into the second round, took just one hour and 24 minutes to beat 29th-ranked Russian Karatsev. The 22-year-old exploited a whopping 32 unforced errors from Karatsev to set up a clash with either Australian John Millman or Chile's Cristian Garin. Novak Djokovic meanwhile will face Jannik Sinner in his second round match after the up-and-coming Italian saw off Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas in straight sets 6-3, 6-4. Teenager Sinner has risen to 22nd in the world rankings after reaching the final of the Miami Open earlier this month. "I will definitely have a game plan," Sinner said of what will be his first meeting with Djokovic. "I know who is on the other side. Obviously it's a tough match I think from my side, because I don't know him that well. I have seen him a lot on TV, watching matches. But when you play against him in a match, it's different. I'm looking forward to that match." Sinner, one of five Italians to reach the second round Tuesday in Monte Carlo, is 15-5 this year but is competing in the main draw of a Masters 1000 event for just the fourth time. "It's a good test for my side to see where I am, especially where I can improve," he added. "I know where I can improve, but this kind of match can give me a lot. I just try to go there with the right mentality like in every match." Earlier on Tuesday, Daniil Medvedev pulled out of the tournament after testing positive for Covid-19. World number two Medvedev tested positive on Monday having practised with Rafael Nadal the day before. Organisers, contacted by AFP, declined to comment on whether third seed Nadal risked being identified as a 'close contact' of Medvedev and forced to quarantine. Nadal is seeded to meet Djokovic in the final as he chases a 12th triumph in Monte Carlo, a key clay court tournament in the run up to the French Open.

Tsitsipas strolls into Monte Carlo last 16, Djokovic to face rising star Sinner

Novak Djokovic swept past promising Italian teenager Jannik Sinner in two sets in Monte Carlo on Wednesday on the Serbian world number one's first appearance since claiming the Australian Open in February.

Sinner, 19, shot to prominence by making it into this month's Miami Open final.

The world number 22 had seen off Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 at this Masters 1000 event to book his first ever date with Djokovic.

But it proved a one-sided contest at the Monte Carlo Country Club, with Djokovic sweeping into the next round 6-4, 6-2 in one hour and 34 minutes.

The 18-time Grand Slam champion will next face either Briton Daniel Evans or Hubert Hurkacz, Sinner's Miami conqueror, for a place in the quarter-finals.

The man he is seeded to meet in the final, Rafael Nadal, takes his first steps towards what he hopes will be a 12th title in the Principality against Federico Delbonis.

Nadal was in action three days after practising with Daniil Medvedev, the Russian second seed who was forced to withdraw after testing positive for Covid-19 on Monday.

Novak Djokovic swept past promising Italian teenager Jannik Sinner in two sets in Monte Carlo on Wednesday on the Serbian world number one's first appearance since claiming the Australian Open in February.

Novak Djokovic swept past promising Italian teenager Jannik Sinner in two sets in Monte Carlo on Wednesday on the Serbian world number one's first appearance since claiming the Australian Open in February. Sinner, 19, shot to prominence by making it into this month's Miami Open final. The world number 22 had seen off Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 at this Masters 1000 event to book his first ever date with Djokovic. But it proved a one-sided contest at the Monte Carlo Country Club, with Djokovic sweeping into the next round 6-4, 6-2 in one hour and 34 minutes. The 18-time Grand Slam champion will next face either Briton Daniel Evans or Hubert Hurkacz, Sinner's Miami conqueror, for a place in the quarter-finals. The man he is seeded to meet in the final, Rafael Nadal, takes his first steps towards what he hopes will be a 12th title in the Principality against Federico Delbonis. Nadal was in action three days after practising with Daniil Medvedev, the Russian second seed who was forced to withdraw after testing positive for Covid-19 on Monday.

Djokovic silences Sinner on Monte Carlo return

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

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

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

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

Roger Federer is set to play his first match on clay in almost two years at next month's Madrid Open, after he was confirmed for the event Tuesday.&nbsp;

The 39-year-old was listed among the players to have registered for the May 2-9 tournament in the Spanish capital, with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal also in the 56-man field.

The event runs alongside the women's competition, which begins on April 29.

Federer recently returned to action at the Qatar Open in Doha after 13 months out following two knee surgeries last year. He was beaten in his second match and promptly withdrew from Dubai.&nbsp;

The Swiss has won just one of his 20 majors on clay, taking the Roland Garros title in 2009.

He has appeared at just one of the past five French Opens, reaching the semi-finals two years ago.

Federer hasn't won a tour clay title since Istanbul in 2015; his most recent Masters triumph on the surface was Madrid in 2012.

Roger Federer is set to play his first match on clay in almost two years at next month's Madrid Open, after he was confirmed for the event Tuesday. The 39-year-old was listed among the players to have registered for the May 2-9 tournament in the Spanish capital, with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal also in the 56-man field.

Roger Federer is set to play his first match on clay in almost two years at next month's Madrid Open, after he was confirmed for the event Tuesday. The 39-year-old was listed among the players to have registered for the May 2-9 tournament in the Spanish capital, with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal also in the 56-man field. The event runs alongside the women's competition, which begins on April 29. Federer recently returned to action at the Qatar Open in Doha after 13 months out following two knee surgeries last year. He was beaten in his second match and promptly withdrew from Dubai. The Swiss has won just one of his 20 majors on clay, taking the Roland Garros title in 2009. He has appeared at just one of the past five French Opens, reaching the semi-finals two years ago. Federer hasn't won a tour clay title since Istanbul in 2015; his most recent Masters triumph on the surface was Madrid in 2012.

Federer poised for clay return in Madrid

Reigning US and Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka advanced to the Miami Open quarter-finals on Monday, stretching her win streak to 23 matches by defeating Belgian 16th seed Elise Mertens 6-3, 6-3.

The second-ranked Japanese star will next face Greek 23rd seed Maria Sakkari, who outlasted US 29th seed Jessica Pegula 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (8/6) at the WTA and ATP Masters Series event.

"I started off really well and then for some reason I became a little sluggish. My speed didn't really feel the same," Osaka said.

"I thought it was really mental from then on. In the end, it was who fought the hardest."

Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka broke at love for a 2-0 lead and broke again for a 5-1 edge but Mertens broke Osaka at love in the seventh game and denied four set points for Osaka to hold in an eighth game that lasted almost 10 minutes.

Osaka, seeking her first Miami crown, saved a break point with her third ace and finally finished off the first set on her seventh chance with a service winner.

In the second set, Osaka needed her fifth chance of the third game to break Mertens, only for the Belgian to quickly break back to 2-2 and hold to 3-2 before requiring treatment for a right shoulder injury.

Osaka won the last four games after that, breaking at love in the seventh game, holding at love in the eighth and breaking again to end matters after 88 minutes when Mertens netted a forehand.

Top-ranked defending champion Ashleigh Barty battled into the quarter-finals by outlasting former world number one Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 1-6, 6-2.

Australia's Barty broke five times, the last when Azarenka netted a forehand volley to end matters after one hour and 52 minutes at Hard Rock Stadium.

Barty, who had to save a match point on the way to a three-set victory over Kristina Kucova in the second round, plays Tuesday against seventh seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, who downed Czech 19th seed Marketa Vondrousova 6-1, 6-2.

"I'm just excited I get to be in another quarter-final of a big event," Barty said.

"I still feel like there's a lot better tennis left out there for me. I still don't feel like I'm playing my very best just yet, but I'm fighting through and I'm finding ways to win, which is great."

The 2019 French Open winner dominated the first set but Azarenka broke for a 2-0 lead in the second, then fought back from 0-40 down to hold for 3-0 on the way to forcing a third set.

After an early exchange of breaks, &nbsp;Azarenka denied Barty on two break chances in the fourth game but the 24-year-old Queenslander broke in the sixth game and again on the last point.

"First two sets probably had some pretty big momentum swings," Barty said. "But I think the third set was a real tussle."

Ukraine's fifth-seeded Elina Svitolina rallied to defeat Czech ninth seed Petra Kvitova 2-6, 7-5, 7-5.

"I'm really happy with how I bounced back from being a set down," Svitolina said. "I'm happy with how I'm playing and handling the pressure. I had to bring my best game to win."

Svitolina's quarter-final foe will be Latvia's 57th-ranked Anastasija Sevastova, who eliminated Croatia's 338th-ranked Ana Konjuh 6-1, 7-5.

<h2>- Tsitsipas, Rublev win -</h2>

On the men's side,&nbsp;Greek second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Japanese 28th seed Kei Nishikori 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 after an hour and 56 minutes to reach the last 16.

Tsitsipas will next face Italian 24th seed Lorenzo Sonego, who dispatched Colombian Daniel Galan 7-6 (8/6), 6-3.

Russian fourth seed Andrey Rublev routed Hungarian 29th seed Marton Fucsovics 6-2, 6-1, to reach the fourth round.

"I've played some great tennis last couple of months," Rublev said. "We'll see if I can keep going."

The 23-year-old from Moscow will next face Croatia's 32-year-old Marin Cilic, the world number 45 who beat Italy's 19-year-old Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-4.

"Very pleased," Cilic said. "Just have to battle it out with these youngsters. I've got to keep the heads high for the veterans on the tour."

Reigning US and Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka advanced to the Miami Open quarter-finals on Monday, stretching her win streak to 23 matches by defeating Belgian 16th seed Elise Mertens 6-3, 6-3.

Reigning US and Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka advanced to the Miami Open quarter-finals on Monday, stretching her win streak to 23 matches by defeating Belgian 16th seed Elise Mertens 6-3, 6-3. The second-ranked Japanese star will next face Greek 23rd seed Maria Sakkari, who outlasted US 29th seed Jessica Pegula 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (8/6) at the WTA and ATP Masters Series event. "I started off really well and then for some reason I became a little sluggish. My speed didn't really feel the same," Osaka said. "I thought it was really mental from then on. In the end, it was who fought the hardest." Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka broke at love for a 2-0 lead and broke again for a 5-1 edge but Mertens broke Osaka at love in the seventh game and denied four set points for Osaka to hold in an eighth game that lasted almost 10 minutes. Osaka, seeking her first Miami crown, saved a break point with her third ace and finally finished off the first set on her seventh chance with a service winner. In the second set, Osaka needed her fifth chance of the third game to break Mertens, only for the Belgian to quickly break back to 2-2 and hold to 3-2 before requiring treatment for a right shoulder injury. Osaka won the last four games after that, breaking at love in the seventh game, holding at love in the eighth and breaking again to end matters after 88 minutes when Mertens netted a forehand. Top-ranked defending champion Ashleigh Barty battled into the quarter-finals by outlasting former world number one Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 1-6, 6-2. Australia's Barty broke five times, the last when Azarenka netted a forehand volley to end matters after one hour and 52 minutes at Hard Rock Stadium. Barty, who had to save a match point on the way to a three-set victory over Kristina Kucova in the second round, plays Tuesday against seventh seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, who downed Czech 19th seed Marketa Vondrousova 6-1, 6-2. "I'm just excited I get to be in another quarter-final of a big event," Barty said. "I still feel like there's a lot better tennis left out there for me. I still don't feel like I'm playing my very best just yet, but I'm fighting through and I'm finding ways to win, which is great." The 2019 French Open winner dominated the first set but Azarenka broke for a 2-0 lead in the second, then fought back from 0-40 down to hold for 3-0 on the way to forcing a third set. After an early exchange of breaks, Azarenka denied Barty on two break chances in the fourth game but the 24-year-old Queenslander broke in the sixth game and again on the last point. "First two sets probably had some pretty big momentum swings," Barty said. "But I think the third set was a real tussle." Ukraine's fifth-seeded Elina Svitolina rallied to defeat Czech ninth seed Petra Kvitova 2-6, 7-5, 7-5. "I'm really happy with how I bounced back from being a set down," Svitolina said. "I'm happy with how I'm playing and handling the pressure. I had to bring my best game to win." Svitolina's quarter-final foe will be Latvia's 57th-ranked Anastasija Sevastova, who eliminated Croatia's 338th-ranked Ana Konjuh 6-1, 7-5. - Tsitsipas, Rublev win - On the men's side, Greek second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Japanese 28th seed Kei Nishikori 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 after an hour and 56 minutes to reach the last 16. Tsitsipas will next face Italian 24th seed Lorenzo Sonego, who dispatched Colombian Daniel Galan 7-6 (8/6), 6-3. Russian fourth seed Andrey Rublev routed Hungarian 29th seed Marton Fucsovics 6-2, 6-1, to reach the fourth round. "I've played some great tennis last couple of months," Rublev said. "We'll see if I can keep going." The 23-year-old from Moscow will next face Croatia's 32-year-old Marin Cilic, the world number 45 who beat Italy's 19-year-old Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-4. "Very pleased," Cilic said. "Just have to battle it out with these youngsters. I've got to keep the heads high for the veterans on the tour."

Osaka advances while Barty ousts Azarenka at Miami Open

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

Venus Williams crashed out of the Miami Open on Tuesday, losing her first round game in straight sets to Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan.

Diyas advanced to a second round meeting with Swiss 11th seed Belinda Bencic after completing a 6-2, 7-6 (12/10) victory in 1hr 28min on the Hard Rock Stadium's Grandstand court.

The round of 128 defeat is the 40-year-old Williams' earliest exit in Miami since she made her debut in the tournament in 1997.

After Diyas raced through the first set, Williams fought back in the second, breaking her Kazakh opponent's serve in the 12th game to force a tie break.

Williams saved three match points to extend the tie break but handed Diyas a fourth match point with a double fault which she converted to complete victory.

"I'm very happy with the win, especially against such a legend as Venus -- I looked up to her when I was little," the 27-year-old from Almaty said.

Diyas set up the victory behind an accurate service game, winning 61 percent of her first serve points, and varying play cleverly to pull Williams around the court.

Tuesday marked the start of main draw action at this year's tournament, which is being held after the Covid-19 pandemic wiped out the 2020 event.

A slew of top names have withdrawn from Miami in the build-up, with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic all pulling out of the men's draw.&nbsp;

Britain's Andy Murray became the latest star to withdraw earlier Tuesday after suffering a groin injury.

Former world number one Serena Williams meanwhile pulled out of the women's tournament on Sunday.

Venus Williams crashed out of the Miami Open on Tuesday, losing her first round game in straight sets to Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan. Diyas advanced to a second round meeting with Swiss 11th seed Belinda Bencic after completing a 6-2, 7-6 (12/10) victory in 1hr 28min on the Hard Rock Stadium's Grandstand court.

Venus Williams crashed out of the Miami Open on Tuesday, losing her first round game in straight sets to Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan. Diyas advanced to a second round meeting with Swiss 11th seed Belinda Bencic after completing a 6-2, 7-6 (12/10) victory in 1hr 28min on the Hard Rock Stadium's Grandstand court. The round of 128 defeat is the 40-year-old Williams' earliest exit in Miami since she made her debut in the tournament in 1997. After Diyas raced through the first set, Williams fought back in the second, breaking her Kazakh opponent's serve in the 12th game to force a tie break. Williams saved three match points to extend the tie break but handed Diyas a fourth match point with a double fault which she converted to complete victory. "I'm very happy with the win, especially against such a legend as Venus -- I looked up to her when I was little," the 27-year-old from Almaty said. Diyas set up the victory behind an accurate service game, winning 61 percent of her first serve points, and varying play cleverly to pull Williams around the court. Tuesday marked the start of main draw action at this year's tournament, which is being held after the Covid-19 pandemic wiped out the 2020 event. A slew of top names have withdrawn from Miami in the build-up, with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic all pulling out of the men's draw. Britain's Andy Murray became the latest star to withdraw earlier Tuesday after suffering a groin injury. Former world number one Serena Williams meanwhile pulled out of the women's tournament on Sunday.

Venus Williams dumped out of Miami Open first round

American Tennis star Serena Williams has pulled out of Miami Open as the 23-times Grand Slam champion is recovering from oral surgery, she said in a statement on Sunday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/zverev-beats-tsitsipas-to-win-mexican-open-in-acapulco-thriller-372078" hreflang="en">Zverev beats Tsitsipas to win Mexican Open in Acapulco thriller</a>

Williams has won the Open for a record eight times, but will not be participating this year. She joined the list of elite players who will not participate in&nbsp;the event.&nbsp;Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer have also pulled out of the tournament.

"I am disappointed to withdraw from the Miami Open because of recent oral surgery," Williams said in a statement.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-rankireddy-and-shetty-knocked-out-of-all-england-doubles-371619" hreflang="en">India's Rankireddy and Shetty knocked out of All England doubles</a>

"Miami is a special tournament for me because it’s my home and I am sad I won’t be able to see the incredible fans this year, but I look forward to coming back soon."

Serena Williams had a promising run at the Australian Open, but she lost to Japan's Naomi Osaka in the finals.&nbsp;

American Tennis star Serena Williams has pulled out of Miami Open as the 23-times Grand Slam champion is recovering from oral surgery, she said in a statement on Sunday.

American Tennis star Serena Williams has pulled out of Miami Open as the 23-times Grand Slam champion is recovering from oral surgery, she said in a statement on Sunday. ALSO READ: Zverev beats Tsitsipas to win Mexican Open in Acapulco thriller Williams has won the Open for a record eight times, but will not be participating this year. She joined the list of elite players who will not participate in the event. Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer have also pulled out of the tournament. "I am disappointed to withdraw from the Miami Open because of recent oral surgery," Williams said in a statement. ALSO READ: India's Rankireddy and Shetty knocked out of All England doubles "Miami is a special tournament for me because it’s my home and I am sad I won’t be able to see the incredible fans this year, but I look forward to coming back soon." Serena Williams had a promising run at the Australian Open, but she lost to Japan's Naomi Osaka in the finals.

'I am disappointed': Serena Williams withdraws from Miami Open

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev will duel for the ATP title in Acapulco, the top two seeds advancing with straight-set semi-final wins on Friday.

World number five Tsitsipas of Greece beat Italian qualifier Lorenzo Musetti 6-1, 6-3 to reach his first final of 2021.

Zverev was shaken but not unnerved by an earthquake in the second set of his 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) victory over fellow German Dominik Koepfer.

"The lights started shaking and the crowd felt it more than we did," Zverev said of the 5.7 magnitude quake with an epicenter 60 km away in San Marcos.

"We were running around the court, so we had to play a point during the earthquake," he added. "We didn't feel much, but still, obviously, I know it happens here in Acapulco."

Koepfer, unfazed, seized the first break of the second set to take a 3-1 lead.

But Zverev, ranked seventh in the world, kept the pressure on, creating break chances in each of Koepfer's next three service games and converting at 5-4 for a break that would force the tiebreaker.

Zverev will be seeking a 14th ATP title and his first of the year when he takes on Tsitsipas, a five-time ATP title winner who was playing in his third semi-final of the year after making the final four at the Australian Open and Rotterdam.

"I am really looking forward to the final," said Tsitsipas, who has won five of six prior encounters with the German. "Sascha is someone I've played against in the past and it's never easy. We're both really hungry and we're both very competitive."

Tsitsipas needed just 79 minutes to end the run of 120th-ranked Musetti, the world No. 120 who had reached his second career semi-final in just his fourth ATP main draw appearance.

He stormed through the first set, but didn't get a break chance in the second until the seventh game, when he broke his 19-year-old Italian opponent at love.

Serving to stay in the match two games later, Musetti fended off three break points before Tsitsipas finally collected the win when the Italian hit a backhand into the net.

"We'll definitely see a lot from Lorenzo in the future, he has a wonderful one handed backhand and creates lots of opportunities," Tsitsipas said. "He showed his level this week."

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev will duel for the ATP title in Acapulco, the top two seeds advancing with straight-set semi-final wins on Friday. World number five Tsitsipas of Greece beat Italian qualifier Lorenzo Musetti 6-1, 6-3 to reach his first final of 2021.

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev will duel for the ATP title in Acapulco, the top two seeds advancing with straight-set semi-final wins on Friday. World number five Tsitsipas of Greece beat Italian qualifier Lorenzo Musetti 6-1, 6-3 to reach his first final of 2021. Zverev was shaken but not unnerved by an earthquake in the second set of his 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) victory over fellow German Dominik Koepfer. "The lights started shaking and the crowd felt it more than we did," Zverev said of the 5.7 magnitude quake with an epicenter 60 km away in San Marcos. "We were running around the court, so we had to play a point during the earthquake," he added. "We didn't feel much, but still, obviously, I know it happens here in Acapulco." Koepfer, unfazed, seized the first break of the second set to take a 3-1 lead. But Zverev, ranked seventh in the world, kept the pressure on, creating break chances in each of Koepfer's next three service games and converting at 5-4 for a break that would force the tiebreaker. Zverev will be seeking a 14th ATP title and his first of the year when he takes on Tsitsipas, a five-time ATP title winner who was playing in his third semi-final of the year after making the final four at the Australian Open and Rotterdam. "I am really looking forward to the final," said Tsitsipas, who has won five of six prior encounters with the German. "Sascha is someone I've played against in the past and it's never easy. We're both really hungry and we're both very competitive." Tsitsipas needed just 79 minutes to end the run of 120th-ranked Musetti, the world No. 120 who had reached his second career semi-final in just his fourth ATP main draw appearance. He stormed through the first set, but didn't get a break chance in the second until the seventh game, when he broke his 19-year-old Italian opponent at love. Serving to stay in the match two games later, Musetti fended off three break points before Tsitsipas finally collected the win when the Italian hit a backhand into the net. "We'll definitely see a lot from Lorenzo in the future, he has a wonderful one handed backhand and creates lots of opportunities," Tsitsipas said. "He showed his level this week."

Top seeds Tsitsipas, Zverev book Acapulco title clash

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

Roger Federer on Thursday withdrew from next week's Dubai ATP tournament, claiming "it's best to go back to training" as his comeback from 13 months on the sidelines ended after two matches at the Qatar Open.

The 39-year-old was knocked out of the Doha event by world number 42 Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia, squandering a match point in the deciding set.

"It's been great to be back on the @atptour, loved every minute playing in Doha once again," tweeted the 20-time Grand Slam title winner.

"A big thank you to the best and loyal team that helped me get here. I've decided it's best to go back to training and as a result, I've decided to withdraw from Dubai next week."

Federer underwent two knee surgeries last year and was playing his first tournament since a semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open in January 2020.

He had needed three sets to see off Britain's Dan Evans in his first match in Qatar on Wednesday.

Federer has already said he will skip the opening Masters event of the season in Miami later this month.

That would likely mean the Swiss veteran will play again on the European clay court swing which begins in April.

Earlier Thursday, Federer's long-time rival Rafael Nadal, also the holder of 20 majors, said he had turned down a wild card invitation to the Dubai event as he recovers from a back injury.

Roger Federer on Thursday withdrew from next week's Dubai ATP tournament, claiming "it's best to go back to training" as his comeback from 13 months on the sidelines ended after two matches at the Qatar Open.

Roger Federer on Thursday withdrew from next week's Dubai ATP tournament, claiming "it's best to go back to training" as his comeback from 13 months on the sidelines ended after two matches at the Qatar Open. The 39-year-old was knocked out of the Doha event by world number 42 Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia, squandering a match point in the deciding set. "It's been great to be back on the @atptour, loved every minute playing in Doha once again," tweeted the 20-time Grand Slam title winner. "A big thank you to the best and loyal team that helped me get here. I've decided it's best to go back to training and as a result, I've decided to withdraw from Dubai next week." Federer underwent two knee surgeries last year and was playing his first tournament since a semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open in January 2020. He had needed three sets to see off Britain's Dan Evans in his first match in Qatar on Wednesday. Federer has already said he will skip the opening Masters event of the season in Miami later this month. That would likely mean the Swiss veteran will play again on the European clay court swing which begins in April. Earlier Thursday, Federer's long-time rival Rafael Nadal, also the holder of 20 majors, said he had turned down a wild card invitation to the Dubai event as he recovers from a back injury.

Roger Federer withdraws from Dubai after Qatar exit

Roger Federer played his first match for over a year Wednesday as the Swiss 20-time Grand Slam champion returned from injury to take on British number one Dan Evans at the Qatar Open in Doha.

Federer, who underwent two knee surgeries in 2020, won the toss and elected to serve first after joking with the umpire about the rules of the game.

He received a rapturous welcome from the 20 percent-capacity crowd at Doha's Khalifa Tennis Complex, beaming back at the crowd.

The 39-year-old initially pulled ahead winning his service game which was tempered by Evans also winning his opening service game.

Federer hasn't played a match since a semi-final defeat by Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open in January 2020 and acknowledged it was unusual for a player of his age to return after injury.

"I know it's on the rare side for a 40-year-old to come back after a year out," he said at a media briefing in the Qatari capital Doha Sunday.

"I feel there is still something -- retirement was never really on the cards."

While he was out of action, he saw Rafael Nadal equal his record Grand Slam title haul with a 13th Roland Garros triumph.

Djokovic, meanwhile, captured a ninth Australian Open last month to take his career Slam tally to 18.

Roger Federer played his first match for over a year Wednesday as the Swiss 20-time Grand Slam champion returned from injury to take on British number one Dan Evans at the Qatar Open in Doha.

Roger Federer played his first match for over a year Wednesday as the Swiss 20-time Grand Slam champion returned from injury to take on British number one Dan Evans at the Qatar Open in Doha. Federer, who underwent two knee surgeries in 2020, won the toss and elected to serve first after joking with the umpire about the rules of the game. He received a rapturous welcome from the 20 percent-capacity crowd at Doha's Khalifa Tennis Complex, beaming back at the crowd. The 39-year-old initially pulled ahead winning his service game which was tempered by Evans also winning his opening service game. Federer hasn't played a match since a semi-final defeat by Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open in January 2020 and acknowledged it was unusual for a player of his age to return after injury. "I know it's on the rare side for a 40-year-old to come back after a year out," he said at a media briefing in the Qatari capital Doha Sunday. "I feel there is still something -- retirement was never really on the cards." While he was out of action, he saw Rafael Nadal equal his record Grand Slam title haul with a 13th Roland Garros triumph. Djokovic, meanwhile, captured a ninth Australian Open last month to take his career Slam tally to 18.

Roger Federer plays first match for over a year

Novak Djokovic is all set to set a new landmark in the world of tennis as world number one with the&nbsp;Serbian ace&nbsp;ready to overtake Roger Federer. Djokovic, on Monday, will hold his position as world number one for a staggering 311 weeks – a new milestone in a trophy-laden career.&nbsp;

Djokovic also has Federer and Nadal's record of winning 20 Grand Slam titles in sight after recently lifting his 18th&nbsp;major. The 33-year-old has time on his side with Federer and Nadal already fighting&nbsp;injury-plagued bodies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Now that I've become the historic No.1, I'm relieved," said Djokovic after sweeping to a ninth Australian Open last month which guaranteed his extended stay at the top.&nbsp;

"Now, I'm going to be able to focus mainly on the Grand Slams."&nbsp;

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Djokovic regained the top rankings from Spanish maestro Nadal in February 2020 and finished the year-end as number one for the sixth time –&nbsp;equalling&nbsp;the record set by legendary Pete Sampras.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Djokovic made his entry to the top 100 in July 2005, weeks after Nadal lifted his first Roland Garros. The Serb was top 50 in June 2006 and top 20 in October 2006 while racing into top 10 by March 2007. He became the world number one at just 24 in July 2011 – the day after winning his first Wimbledon.&nbsp;

Djokovic also became the first man to&nbsp;shatter&nbsp;the $100 million prize money barrier, ending his career with more Slams than Federer and Nadal.&nbsp;Notably, Djokovic has won more Australian Opens than Federer and Nadal.&nbsp;His Wimbledon total stands at five to Federer's eight and Nadal's two.&nbsp;

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"Obviously I have in my mind to win more Grand Slam titles and to break records.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Until I retire from the tour, I will be devoting most of my attention and energy to winning the other major titles," Djokovic said.&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic is all set to set a new landmark in the world of tennis as world number one with the Serbian ace ready to overtake Roger Federer. Djokovic, on Monday, will hold his position as world number one for a staggering 311 weeks – a new milestone in a trophy-laden career.

Novak Djokovic is all set to set a new landmark in the world of tennis as world number one with the Serbian ace ready to overtake Roger Federer. Djokovic, on Monday, will hold his position as world number one for a staggering 311 weeks – a new milestone in a trophy-laden career. Djokovic also has Federer and Nadal's record of winning 20 Grand Slam titles in sight after recently lifting his 18th major. The 33-year-old has time on his side with Federer and Nadal already fighting injury-plagued bodies. "Now that I've become the historic No.1, I'm relieved," said Djokovic after sweeping to a ninth Australian Open last month which guaranteed his extended stay at the top. "Now, I'm going to be able to focus mainly on the Grand Slams." ALSO READ: No Covid vaccine mandate for NBA players: commissioner Djokovic regained the top rankings from Spanish maestro Nadal in February 2020 and finished the year-end as number one for the sixth time – equalling the record set by legendary Pete Sampras. Djokovic made his entry to the top 100 in July 2005, weeks after Nadal lifted his first Roland Garros. The Serb was top 50 in June 2006 and top 20 in October 2006 while racing into top 10 by March 2007. He became the world number one at just 24 in July 2011 – the day after winning his first Wimbledon. Djokovic also became the first man to shatter the $100 million prize money barrier, ending his career with more Slams than Federer and Nadal. Notably, Djokovic has won more Australian Opens than Federer and Nadal. His Wimbledon total stands at five to Federer's eight and Nadal's two. ALSO READ: Serb ace Novak Djokovic set to return on court at Miami Open "Obviously I have in my mind to win more Grand Slam titles and to break records. "Until I retire from the tour, I will be devoting most of my attention and energy to winning the other major titles," Djokovic said.

Novak Djokovic set to shatter Roger Federer's world number one record

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will be returning to court at this month's Miami Open having recuperated from a muscle tear suffered during his Australian Open campaign.

The world number one sustained his injury during his third-round match in the Australian Open at Melbourne Park. However, the Serb returned and went on to win his record-extending ninth Australian Open title and his 18th Grand Slam.

On Monday, Novak will surpass Roger Federer's all-time record for most weeks as ATP world number one after being on top for 311th week.&nbsp;

According to his schedule posted on his website, Novak entered for the ATP Masters 1000 event on the hardcourts in Miami from March 22-April 4. It is the first of three events he will play in before heading to Europe for the claycourt swing ahead of the French Open in end of May.

Djokovic will then head to Monaco for the Monte-Carlo Masters, running from April 11-18, before returning home to Belgrade for the ATP 250 Serbia Open.

The Tour is returning to Belgrade for the first time since 2012, and the Serbia Open will be held at Djokovic's tennis centre from April 19-25.

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will be returning to court at this month's Miami Open having recuperated from a muscle tear suffered during his Australian Open campaign.

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will be returning to court at this month's Miami Open having recuperated from a muscle tear suffered during his Australian Open campaign. The world number one sustained his injury during his third-round match in the Australian Open at Melbourne Park. However, the Serb returned and went on to win his record-extending ninth Australian Open title and his 18th Grand Slam. On Monday, Novak will surpass Roger Federer's all-time record for most weeks as ATP world number one after being on top for 311th week. According to his schedule posted on his website, Novak entered for the ATP Masters 1000 event on the hardcourts in Miami from March 22-April 4. It is the first of three events he will play in before heading to Europe for the claycourt swing ahead of the French Open in end of May. Djokovic will then head to Monaco for the Monte-Carlo Masters, running from April 11-18, before returning home to Belgrade for the ATP 250 Serbia Open. The Tour is returning to Belgrade for the first time since 2012, and the Serbia Open will be held at Djokovic's tennis centre from April 19-25.

Serb ace Novak Djokovic set to return on court at Miami Open

Novak Djokovic said his ninth Australian Open title came after one of the toughest tournaments of his career, with a muscle-tear injury that is still "not healed" and attacks from the media and public.

Despite the challenges, the world number one snuffed out the threat from in-form Russian Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 to reinforce his status as the king of Melbourne Park and collect his 18th Grand Slam crown.

But there were numerous hurdles to jump, not least having to quarantine for 14 days and the negative reaction to a letter he wrote to Tennis Australia pre-tournament which was interpreted as a "petulant and selfish" list of demands.

"I think emotionally it was one of the hardest tournaments that I've ever had, to be honest," the Serbian top seed told Australia's Channel Nine on Sunday.

"We had quarantine and a lot of things happening in the media, then the letter that I wrote as ideas and recommendations that I got for players was misinterpreted as a list of demands. Then the next thing I was persona non grata here in this country.

"So it was tough dealing with all of this and then getting injured in the third round," he added of the abdominal tear that almost forced him to pull out.

"It was a rollercoaster ride... I think it makes it even sweeter for me and a lot of positives from this tournament without a doubt."

His coach Goran Ivanisevic said the criticisms Djokovic had to deal were unfair.

"Actually he needed this victory so badly. There is somebody upstairs who see all this unfairness with a lot of media and people they doing to him," he said.

"He tried to help the players," he added of the contentious letter. "Again, it's only him. It's his fault, like everybody else attacking him. Nobody else to attack, so let's attack Novak."&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Great ability to heal' -</h2>

Djokovic sustained his injury during his third-round clash against Taylor Fritz.

After refusing to reveal the nature of the injury during the tournament, he said on Sunday it was an abdominal muscle tear.

"It's a muscle tear... I went for an MRI and it showed a tear," he said. "I understand people question whether there was a tear -- but there is. For me it was obviously a huge obstacle and challenge.

"I guess we're all different. I have maybe a great ability to heal. I don't know. I just manage somehow with pills and painkillers and stuff."

The nine-time Australian Open champion revealed he spent 10 out of 14 waking hours on the physio's table at one stage for treatment.

"It's not healed up. I'm going to go for another MRI tomorrow before I travel. I'm definitely going to take some time off. I don't know how long it's going to take," he said.

"But you know my whole energy and focus was here in Australia. If there was a tournament where I want to risk any more damage, and try my hardest to battle, it's here, it's a Grand Slam."

Djokovic's win over Medvedev strengthened his hold on world number one, where he will mark his 311th week when the new rankings come out on Monday, surpassing Federer's record of 310.

"I managed to achieve this historic number one. It seems unreal but of course I am very, very happy and proud of that," he said, adding that he has not committed to any tournaments so far after Australia.

"My focus now is the Slams, that's where I want to shine. I know age is just a number but we have to also see things realistically, I am not 22 any more.

"So I'm going to have to deal with the schedule and the calendar in a different way so I peak at the right time at the Slams."

Novak Djokovic said his ninth Australian Open title came after one of the toughest tournaments of his career, with a muscle-tear injury that is still "not healed" and attacks from the media and public.

Novak Djokovic said his ninth Australian Open title came after one of the toughest tournaments of his career, with a muscle-tear injury that is still "not healed" and attacks from the media and public. Despite the challenges, the world number one snuffed out the threat from in-form Russian Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 to reinforce his status as the king of Melbourne Park and collect his 18th Grand Slam crown. But there were numerous hurdles to jump, not least having to quarantine for 14 days and the negative reaction to a letter he wrote to Tennis Australia pre-tournament which was interpreted as a "petulant and selfish" list of demands. "I think emotionally it was one of the hardest tournaments that I've ever had, to be honest," the Serbian top seed told Australia's Channel Nine on Sunday. "We had quarantine and a lot of things happening in the media, then the letter that I wrote as ideas and recommendations that I got for players was misinterpreted as a list of demands. Then the next thing I was persona non grata here in this country. "So it was tough dealing with all of this and then getting injured in the third round," he added of the abdominal tear that almost forced him to pull out. "It was a rollercoaster ride... I think it makes it even sweeter for me and a lot of positives from this tournament without a doubt." His coach Goran Ivanisevic said the criticisms Djokovic had to deal were unfair. "Actually he needed this victory so badly. There is somebody upstairs who see all this unfairness with a lot of media and people they doing to him," he said. "He tried to help the players," he added of the contentious letter. "Again, it's only him. It's his fault, like everybody else attacking him. Nobody else to attack, so let's attack Novak." - 'Great ability to heal' - Djokovic sustained his injury during his third-round clash against Taylor Fritz. After refusing to reveal the nature of the injury during the tournament, he said on Sunday it was an abdominal muscle tear. "It's a muscle tear... I went for an MRI and it showed a tear," he said. "I understand people question whether there was a tear -- but there is. For me it was obviously a huge obstacle and challenge. "I guess we're all different. I have maybe a great ability to heal. I don't know. I just manage somehow with pills and painkillers and stuff." The nine-time Australian Open champion revealed he spent 10 out of 14 waking hours on the physio's table at one stage for treatment. "It's not healed up. I'm going to go for another MRI tomorrow before I travel. I'm definitely going to take some time off. I don't know how long it's going to take," he said. "But you know my whole energy and focus was here in Australia. If there was a tournament where I want to risk any more damage, and try my hardest to battle, it's here, it's a Grand Slam." Djokovic's win over Medvedev strengthened his hold on world number one, where he will mark his 311th week when the new rankings come out on Monday, surpassing Federer's record of 310. "I managed to achieve this historic number one. It seems unreal but of course I am very, very happy and proud of that," he said, adding that he has not committed to any tournaments so far after Australia. "My focus now is the Slams, that's where I want to shine. I know age is just a number but we have to also see things realistically, I am not 22 any more. "So I'm going to have to deal with the schedule and the calendar in a different way so I peak at the right time at the Slams."

Djokovic says 'rollercoaster' Australian Open one of toughest tournaments

Novak&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;extended his own record Australian Open wins to nine with a 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final on Sunday.

Here, AFP Sport recalls&nbsp;Djokovic's incredible run of success and the records he has set on the way to becoming the undoubted king of Melbourne Park:&nbsp;

<h2>- First Serb: 2008 -&nbsp;</h2>

Becomes first Serb to win a Grand Slam at the age of 20 in Melbourne, after bursting into the big time with an emphatic straight-sets victory in the semi-finals over world number one Roger Federer, who had been unbeaten at the tournament for 16 matches.

In the final he beat Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/2).

"Every player dreams of winning a Grand Slam. I am still not fully aware of what I have achieved these past two weeks," he said.

<h2>- Three-year wait ends: 2011 -</h2>

It was three long years before&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;secured a second major triumph, and he put his success down to a&nbsp;gluten-free diet.

It heralded a golden year where he won three of the four Grand Slam titles.

He lost only one set the entire fortnight including defeating defending champion Federer again in the semi-finals, before overpowering Andy Murray 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 in the championship decider.

Djokovic&nbsp;said he decided to change his back room team and behaviour, as well as his diet, after a disappointing 2010.&nbsp;

"Things off court were not working for me, you know.&nbsp;

"I had to try to find the best possible solution and try to get back on the right track. That's what I did."

<h2>- The longest final: 2012 -</h2>

Djokovic's first successful Grand Slam title defence involved feats of endurance rarely witnessed before on a tennis court.

After a five-set battle against Murray in the semi-final, he then had to fight for almost six hours in a war of attrition against Rafael Nadal to win the title.

It was the longest Grand Slam singles final in the Open era and ended at 1:37 am on Monday after the pair walked on court at 7:30 pm Sunday.

Djokovic&nbsp;ripped off his shirt and roared in celebration at the end of the epic match which he won 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 in 5hr 53min.

"Physically it was the toughest match I ever played," said an exhausted Nadal, after addressing the crowd with: "Good morning!"&nbsp;

<h2>- Title hat-trick: 2013 -</h2>

Djokovic&nbsp;became the first man in the Open era to win three Australian titles in a row after overpowering Murray 6-7 (2/7), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 6-2.

The Serb was also stretched all the way by Stan Wawrinka in the fourth round before prevailing 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7(5), 12-10.&nbsp;

"It's definitely my favourite Grand Slam, my most successful Grand Slam. I love this court," said&nbsp;Djokovic.

<h2>- Revenge over Wawrinka: 2015 -</h2>

Djokovic&nbsp;was upset in the 2014 quarter-finals by Wawrinka, the eventual champion, but was back to his punishing best a year later.

After exacting revenge on the Swiss in the semi-final he again rolled over Murray for the title, inflicting a humiliating 6-0 bagel on the Scot in the final set to tie Andre Agassi on the all-time list with eight Grand Slam titles.

His 7-6 (7/5), 6-7(4/7), 6-3, 6-0 victory was his first as a father after wife Jelena had given birth to Stefan three months earlier.

"I think it has deeper meaning, more intrinsic value now to my life because I'm a father and a husband," said&nbsp;Djokovic.

<h2>- 'Djokovic&nbsp;Slam': 2016 -</h2>

The records kept tumbling as he clinched a sixth Melbourne crown to equal Roy Emerson's pre-Open era record and win a third consecutive major title after Wimbledon and the US Open in 2015.

He would go on to complete the "Djokovic&nbsp;Slam" at the French Open to hold all four majors at the same time.

He defeated Murray for a fourth time in the championship match 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 (7/3).

"It's an incredible feeling, especially because of the fact that I managed to make history tonight and equal Roy Emerson's record of six Australian Opens," he said after winning his 11th Grand Slam crown to match Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg on the all-time list.&nbsp;

<h2>- Sampras eclipsed: 2019 -</h2>

After two years battling injury, including undergoing elbow surgery, he swatted aside the challenge of old rival Nadal in the final 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 to claim a record seventh Australian Open and 15th Grand Slam title to go ahead of his childhood idol, American great Pete Sampras.

"It was definitely a sign of destiny to start playing tennis, to aspire to be as good as Pete,"&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;said. "To surpass him with Grand Slam titles, I'm speechless."

<h2>- Great eight: 2020 -</h2>

Djokovic&nbsp;captured his eighth title and earned his 900th tour-level match win on the way.&nbsp;

Federer was dispatched in straight sets in the semi-final but 26-year-old Dominic Thiem gave&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;his hardest final battle since the Nadal epic in 2012.

Djokovic&nbsp;eventually fought back from two sets to one down to secure his 17th major 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.

"Obviously at this stage of my career, Grand Slams are the ones I value the most. They are the ones I prioritise," he said.&nbsp;

<h2>- Stomach for the fight: 2021 -</h2>

Djokovic&nbsp;looked on his way out when he could barely run because of an abdominal injury in the third round against Taylor Fritz, but somehow survived in five sets.

He was unable to train between matches, but grew fitter and stronger with every passing round.

As his injury healed he recorded four-set wins against Milos Raonic and Alexander Zverev before racing past Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev in the semi-final.

Another Russian awaited in the championship decider, but world number four Daniil Medvedev went the way of the Serb's eight previous final opponents as it took a rampant&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;just 1hr 53 min to win 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 and extend his perfect record in finals at Melbourne Park.&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic extended his own record Australian Open wins to nine with a 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final on Sunday. Here, AFP Sport recalls Djokovic's incredible run of success and the records he has set on the way to becoming the undoubted king of Melbourne Park: - First Serb: 2008 - Becomes first Serb to win a Grand Slam at the age of 20 in Melbourne, after bursting into the big time with an emphatic straight-sets victory in the semi-finals over world number one Roger Federer, who had been unbeaten at the tournament for 16 matches.

Novak Djokovic extended his own record Australian Open wins to nine with a 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final on Sunday. Here, AFP Sport recalls Djokovic's incredible run of success and the records he has set on the way to becoming the undoubted king of Melbourne Park: - First Serb: 2008 - Becomes first Serb to win a Grand Slam at the age of 20 in Melbourne, after bursting into the big time with an emphatic straight-sets victory in the semi-finals over world number one Roger Federer, who had been unbeaten at the tournament for 16 matches. In the final he beat Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/2). "Every player dreams of winning a Grand Slam. I am still not fully aware of what I have achieved these past two weeks," he said. - Three-year wait ends: 2011 - It was three long years before Djokovic secured a second major triumph, and he put his success down to a gluten-free diet. It heralded a golden year where he won three of the four Grand Slam titles. He lost only one set the entire fortnight including defeating defending champion Federer again in the semi-finals, before overpowering Andy Murray 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 in the championship decider. Djokovic said he decided to change his back room team and behaviour, as well as his diet, after a disappointing 2010. "Things off court were not working for me, you know. "I had to try to find the best possible solution and try to get back on the right track. That's what I did." - The longest final: 2012 - Djokovic's first successful Grand Slam title defence involved feats of endurance rarely witnessed before on a tennis court. After a five-set battle against Murray in the semi-final, he then had to fight for almost six hours in a war of attrition against Rafael Nadal to win the title. It was the longest Grand Slam singles final in the Open era and ended at 1:37 am on Monday after the pair walked on court at 7:30 pm Sunday. Djokovic ripped off his shirt and roared in celebration at the end of the epic match which he won 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 in 5hr 53min. "Physically it was the toughest match I ever played," said an exhausted Nadal, after addressing the crowd with: "Good morning!" - Title hat-trick: 2013 - Djokovic became the first man in the Open era to win three Australian titles in a row after overpowering Murray 6-7 (2/7), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 6-2. The Serb was also stretched all the way by Stan Wawrinka in the fourth round before prevailing 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7(5), 12-10. "It's definitely my favourite Grand Slam, my most successful Grand Slam. I love this court," said Djokovic. - Revenge over Wawrinka: 2015 - Djokovic was upset in the 2014 quarter-finals by Wawrinka, the eventual champion, but was back to his punishing best a year later. After exacting revenge on the Swiss in the semi-final he again rolled over Murray for the title, inflicting a humiliating 6-0 bagel on the Scot in the final set to tie Andre Agassi on the all-time list with eight Grand Slam titles. His 7-6 (7/5), 6-7(4/7), 6-3, 6-0 victory was his first as a father after wife Jelena had given birth to Stefan three months earlier. "I think it has deeper meaning, more intrinsic value now to my life because I'm a father and a husband," said Djokovic. - 'Djokovic Slam': 2016 - The records kept tumbling as he clinched a sixth Melbourne crown to equal Roy Emerson's pre-Open era record and win a third consecutive major title after Wimbledon and the US Open in 2015. He would go on to complete the "Djokovic Slam" at the French Open to hold all four majors at the same time. He defeated Murray for a fourth time in the championship match 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 (7/3). "It's an incredible feeling, especially because of the fact that I managed to make history tonight and equal Roy Emerson's record of six Australian Opens," he said after winning his 11th Grand Slam crown to match Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg on the all-time list. - Sampras eclipsed: 2019 - After two years battling injury, including undergoing elbow surgery, he swatted aside the challenge of old rival Nadal in the final 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 to claim a record seventh Australian Open and 15th Grand Slam title to go ahead of his childhood idol, American great Pete Sampras. "It was definitely a sign of destiny to start playing tennis, to aspire to be as good as Pete," Djokovic said. "To surpass him with Grand Slam titles, I'm speechless." - Great eight: 2020 - Djokovic captured his eighth title and earned his 900th tour-level match win on the way. Federer was dispatched in straight sets in the semi-final but 26-year-old Dominic Thiem gave Djokovic his hardest final battle since the Nadal epic in 2012. Djokovic eventually fought back from two sets to one down to secure his 17th major 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. "Obviously at this stage of my career, Grand Slams are the ones I value the most. They are the ones I prioritise," he said. - Stomach for the fight: 2021 - Djokovic looked on his way out when he could barely run because of an abdominal injury in the third round against Taylor Fritz, but somehow survived in five sets. He was unable to train between matches, but grew fitter and stronger with every passing round. As his injury healed he recorded four-set wins against Milos Raonic and Alexander Zverev before racing past Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev in the semi-final. Another Russian awaited in the championship decider, but world number four Daniil Medvedev went the way of the Serb's eight previous final opponents as it took a rampant Djokovic just 1hr 53 min to win 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 and extend his perfect record in finals at Melbourne Park.

On cloud nine: Djokovic's dominance at Australian Open

Ivan Dodig and Filip Polasek won their first Grand Slam title together on Sunday, taking down defending Australian Open men’s doubles champions Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury 6-3 6-4 in the final.

It was the first Grand Slam triumph for Polasek, 35, who came out of retirement in 2018, while Croatia’s Dodig won his second men’s doubles title after winning the 2015 French Open with Marcelo Melo.

Polasek became only the second Slovakian player to win a Grand Slam after Daniela Hantuchova and dedicated the title to his newborn daughter.

“Since we started to play one and a half years ago, we are really enjoying and playing good tennis,” Dodig said during the trophy ceremony. “We are having a lot of fun and hopefully it is going to continue.”

The duo dominated the final at Rod Laver Arena, breaking their opponents’ serve once in each set during the 88-minute contest.

Such was their domination that they created 15 breakpoint opportunities in the match while not allowing Ram and Salisbury a single look at their own serve.

The defeat denied Ram, 36, a double at Melbourne Park this year after he paired with Barbora Krejcikova to win the mixed doubles title on Saturday.

“Filip, I know it’s your first Grand Slam,” Ram said. “That was way too good. Not sure what we could have done any different, so you guys played awesome.”

Ivan Dodig and Filip Polasek won their first Grand Slam title together on Sunday, taking down defending Australian Open men’s doubles champions Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury 6-3 6-4 in the final.

Ivan Dodig and Filip Polasek won their first Grand Slam title together on Sunday, taking down defending Australian Open men’s doubles champions Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury 6-3 6-4 in the final. It was the first Grand Slam triumph for Polasek, 35, who came out of retirement in 2018, while Croatia’s Dodig won his second men’s doubles title after winning the 2015 French Open with Marcelo Melo. Polasek became only the second Slovakian player to win a Grand Slam after Daniela Hantuchova and dedicated the title to his newborn daughter. “Since we started to play one and a half years ago, we are really enjoying and playing good tennis,” Dodig said during the trophy ceremony. “We are having a lot of fun and hopefully it is going to continue.” The duo dominated the final at Rod Laver Arena, breaking their opponents’ serve once in each set during the 88-minute contest. Such was their domination that they created 15 breakpoint opportunities in the match while not allowing Ram and Salisbury a single look at their own serve. The defeat denied Ram, 36, a double at Melbourne Park this year after he paired with Barbora Krejcikova to win the mixed doubles title on Saturday. “Filip, I know it’s your first Grand Slam,” Ram said. “That was way too good. Not sure what we could have done any different, so you guys played awesome.”

Dodig, Polasek win Australian Open men's doubles title

World number one Novak Djokovic is set to take on youngster Daniil Medvedev in the final of Australian Open 2021 on Sunday as year's first Grand Slam event nears its conclusion. Both Djokovic and Medvedev head into the match following a straight-set win over their respective opponents in the semi-finals.&nbsp;

While Djokovic thumped&nbsp;Karatsev&nbsp;6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in the semi-final in what was a dominating performance by the Serb, Medvedev sailed past Stefanos&nbsp;Tsitsipas&nbsp;6-4, 6-2, 7-5 to book a spot in the summit clash of Australian Open 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Djokovic would be looking to lift his 18th&nbsp;Grand Slam title as he looks to close in on Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who have 20 Major titles. Whereas Medvedev continues to rise in the tennis world and will be looking to lift the&nbsp;title after losing his only Grand Slam final to Rafael Nadal in US Open 2019.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/king-novak-faces-challenger-medvedev-in-australian-open-final-365001">King Novak faces 'challenger' Medvedev in Australian Open final</a>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bf6da42a-7a9e-42ae-a05b-7315b94d249d}{120}" paraid="1330028084" >All you need to know about the Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev:&nbsp;</h2>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8aecc300-ff66-484f-92fc-6779c15a1c7d}{85}" paraid="2107462644" >When will the Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev be played?&nbsp;</h2>

The Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev will take place on Sunday (February 21)&nbsp;with the summit clash&nbsp;kicking-off at 2:00 PM IST.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8aecc300-ff66-484f-92fc-6779c15a1c7d}{113}" paraid="1592045183" >Where will the Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev&nbsp;be held?&nbsp;</h2>

The Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev will&nbsp;be hosted by&nbsp;Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park.&nbsp;

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8aecc300-ff66-484f-92fc-6779c15a1c7d}{141}" paraid="1192315669" >Which channel will telecast the Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev&nbsp;live&nbsp;on television?&nbsp;</h2>

The Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev will have a live telecast on Sony Sports&nbsp;Network.&nbsp;

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8aecc300-ff66-484f-92fc-6779c15a1c7d}{169}" paraid="997839155" >How to watch&nbsp;live-streaming of&nbsp;the Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev&nbsp;online?&nbsp;</h2>

The Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev will be&nbsp;live-streamed on the&nbsp;SonyLiv&nbsp;app.&nbsp;

World number one Novak Djokovic is set to take on youngster Daniil Medvedev in the final of Australian Open 2021 on Sunday as year's first Grand Slam event nears its conclusion.

World number one Novak Djokovic is set to take on youngster Daniil Medvedev in the final of Australian Open 2021 on Sunday as year's first Grand Slam event nears its conclusion. Both Djokovic and Medvedev head into the match following a straight-set win over their respective opponents in the semi-finals. While Djokovic thumped Karatsev 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in the semi-final in what was a dominating performance by the Serb, Medvedev sailed past Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 to book a spot in the summit clash of Australian Open 2021. Djokovic would be looking to lift his 18th Grand Slam title as he looks to close in on Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who have 20 Major titles. Whereas Medvedev continues to rise in the tennis world and will be looking to lift the title after losing his only Grand Slam final to Rafael Nadal in US Open 2019. ALSO READ: King Novak faces 'challenger' Medvedev in Australian Open final All you need to know about the Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev: When will the Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev be played? The Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev will take place on Sunday (February 21) with the summit clash kicking-off at 2:00 PM IST. Where will the Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev be held? The Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev will be hosted by Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park. Which channel will telecast the Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev live on television? The Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev will have a live telecast on Sony Sports Network. How to watch live-streaming of the Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev online? The Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev will be live-streamed on the SonyLiv app.

Novak Djokovic vs Daniil Medvedev, Australian Open Final, Live Streaming: When and where to watch AUS Open 2021 final?

Japan's Naomi Osaka on Saturday defeated Jennifer Brady 6-4, 6-3 to win the Australian Open final as she continued her unbeaten streak to 21 matches (14 Grand Slam matches). Osaka, with the dominating win, becomes only the fourth active WTA player to win more than three major singles titles. Osaka also closed the gap with world number one Ashleigh&nbsp;Barty after finding herself second in the rankings following the win over Brady.

The 23-year-old becomes only the third player after Monica Seles and Roger Federer to win their first four major finals. This was Osaka's second Australian Open win as she continues to rise in the world of tennis.

Osaka won the tight first set while breaking Brady twice in the second to win the match 6-4, 6-3 in 77 minutes in front of thousands of cheerful fans at the Rod Laver Arena. Third-seeded Osaka now holds a 100 per cent record in Grand Slam finals following her win in 2018 and 2020 US Opens and 2019 win in Melbourne.

"We played in the semis of the US Open a couple of months ago and I told everyone that you're going to be a problem," Osaka told Brady at the trophy presentation.

"And I was right. It's really incredible to me to see your growth over the past few months, it's really cool for me to see."

<img alt="osaka" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4b53cea7-687a-43d2-baa7-4138452fa7e1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_93E9CH.jpg" />

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/king-novak-faces-challenger-medvedev-in-australian-open-final-365001" hreflang="en">King Novak faces 'challenger' Medvedev in Australian Open final</a>

Osaka saved two match points in the fourth round against Garbine Muguruza before lifting the coveted Australian Open trophy.

Osaka, who also beat her idol, Serena Williams, in straight sets in the semi-finals, has not lost a match in more than a year.

Brady belatedly conjured some resistance to break Osaka against the flow of play and claw back to 5-3. But the American bowed out as she started, with errors flying off her racket. Osaka served out the match to love, with a big serve sealing it when Brady thumped a forehand return long

More to follow...

Japan's Naomi Osaka on Saturday defeated Jennifer Brady 6-4, 6-3 to win the Australian Open final as she continued her unbeaten streak to 21 matches (14 Grand Slam matches).

Japan's Naomi Osaka on Saturday defeated Jennifer Brady 6-4, 6-3 to win the Australian Open final as she continued her unbeaten streak to 21 matches (14 Grand Slam matches). Osaka, with the dominating win, becomes only the fourth active WTA player to win more than three major singles titles. Osaka also closed the gap with world number one Ashleigh Barty after finding herself second in the rankings following the win over Brady. The 23-year-old becomes only the third player after Monica Seles and Roger Federer to win their first four major finals. This was Osaka's second Australian Open win as she continues to rise in the world of tennis. Osaka won the tight first set while breaking Brady twice in the second to win the match 6-4, 6-3 in 77 minutes in front of thousands of cheerful fans at the Rod Laver Arena. Third-seeded Osaka now holds a 100 per cent record in Grand Slam finals following her win in 2018 and 2020 US Opens and 2019 win in Melbourne. "We played in the semis of the US Open a couple of months ago and I told everyone that you're going to be a problem," Osaka told Brady at the trophy presentation. "And I was right. It's really incredible to me to see your growth over the past few months, it's really cool for me to see." ALSO READ: King Novak faces 'challenger' Medvedev in Australian Open final Osaka saved two match points in the fourth round against Garbine Muguruza before lifting the coveted Australian Open trophy. Osaka, who also beat her idol, Serena Williams, in straight sets in the semi-finals, has not lost a match in more than a year. Brady belatedly conjured some resistance to break Osaka against the flow of play and claw back to 5-3. But the American bowed out as she started, with errors flying off her racket. Osaka served out the match to love, with a big serve sealing it when Brady thumped a forehand return long More to follow...

Naomi Osaka dominates Jennifer Brady to win Australian Open final

Naomi Osaka clinched her fourth Grand Slam title Saturday after beating American Jennifer Brady at the Australian Open.&nbsp;

The 23-year-old became the first women's player to win her first four Grand Slam finals since Monica Seles in 1991.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Here, AFP describes how her two US Opens and two Australian Opens were won:

<h2>- US Open 2018 -&nbsp;</h2>

Osaka, 20, became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title by beating her idol Serena Williams 6-2 6-4 in a match marred by the American calling chair umpire Carlos Ramos "a thief" after being penalised.&nbsp;

A composed Osaka brushed aside the drama to record just her second career title, but her triumph was soured when the&nbsp;American crowd booed during the trophy presentation. Osaka tried to hide her tears and was consoled by Williams.&nbsp;

Seeded 20th, Osaka dropped just one set during the tournament and became the youngest US Open champion since Maria Sharapova in 2006.

<h2>- Australian Open 2019 -&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

Osaka backed up her New York breakthrough by battling&nbsp;past Czech eighth seed Petra Kvitova 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-4 in a gripping final at Melbourne Park.&nbsp;

She overcame a trio of three-set matches en route to the final, but her hard-fought triumph meant she became&nbsp;the first Asian, male or female, to ascend to the world's top ranking.&nbsp;

Osaka, who wept tears of joy after a titanic battle lasting more than two hours, became the youngest woman to win back-to-back majors since Martina Hingis in 1998 and the youngest number one since Caroline Wozniacki in 2010.

<h2>- US Open 2020 -&nbsp;</h2>

The 22-year-old&nbsp;came from a set down to beat Victoria Azarenka to clinch her third Grand Slam title.&nbsp;

The fourth seed fought back from 1-6, 0-2 behind to overcome her unseeded opponent from Belarus 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 inside an Arthur Ashe Stadium devoid of fans at Flushing Meadows.&nbsp;

Osaka walked on to the court wearing a mask bearing the name of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old African-American boy who was shot dead by a white police officer in Cleveland, Ohio in 2014.&nbsp;

Osaka, of Japanese and Haitian heritage, won widespread praise for her support of the Black Lives Matter movement by wearing different masks each round to honour victims of racial injustice and police brutality.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Australian Open 2021 -</h2>

Beats Brady 6-4, 6-3 in just 77 minutes to complete a remarkable Covid-interrupted 12 months and 21 matches without a defeat on court.

Osaka broke the American twice in each set, and although Brady clawed back one of the breaks each time, she was ultimately undone by the firepower of the Japanese superstar in front of thousands of fans at Rod Laver Arena.

The world's top-earning female athlete, Osaka was pushed hardest in the fourth round when she had to save two match points against Garbine Muguruza but thereafter never looked in danger.

Naomi Osaka clinched her fourth Grand Slam title Saturday after beating American Jennifer Brady at the Australian Open. The 23-year-old became the first women's player to win her first four Grand Slam finals since Monica Seles in 1991.

Naomi Osaka clinched her fourth Grand Slam title Saturday after beating American Jennifer Brady at the Australian Open. The 23-year-old became the first women's player to win her first four Grand Slam finals since Monica Seles in 1991. Here, AFP describes how her two US Opens and two Australian Opens were won: - US Open 2018 - Osaka, 20, became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title by beating her idol Serena Williams 6-2 6-4 in a match marred by the American calling chair umpire Carlos Ramos "a thief" after being penalised. A composed Osaka brushed aside the drama to record just her second career title, but her triumph was soured when the American crowd booed during the trophy presentation. Osaka tried to hide her tears and was consoled by Williams. Seeded 20th, Osaka dropped just one set during the tournament and became the youngest US Open champion since Maria Sharapova in 2006. - Australian Open 2019 - Osaka backed up her New York breakthrough by battling past Czech eighth seed Petra Kvitova 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-4 in a gripping final at Melbourne Park. She overcame a trio of three-set matches en route to the final, but her hard-fought triumph meant she became the first Asian, male or female, to ascend to the world's top ranking. Osaka, who wept tears of joy after a titanic battle lasting more than two hours, became the youngest woman to win back-to-back majors since Martina Hingis in 1998 and the youngest number one since Caroline Wozniacki in 2010. - US Open 2020 - The 22-year-old came from a set down to beat Victoria Azarenka to clinch her third Grand Slam title. The fourth seed fought back from 1-6, 0-2 behind to overcome her unseeded opponent from Belarus 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 inside an Arthur Ashe Stadium devoid of fans at Flushing Meadows. Osaka walked on to the court wearing a mask bearing the name of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old African-American boy who was shot dead by a white police officer in Cleveland, Ohio in 2014. Osaka, of Japanese and Haitian heritage, won widespread praise for her support of the Black Lives Matter movement by wearing different masks each round to honour victims of racial injustice and police brutality. - Australian Open 2021 - Beats Brady 6-4, 6-3 in just 77 minutes to complete a remarkable Covid-interrupted 12 months and 21 matches without a defeat on court. Osaka broke the American twice in each set, and although Brady clawed back one of the breaks each time, she was ultimately undone by the firepower of the Japanese superstar in front of thousands of fans at Rod Laver Arena. The world's top-earning female athlete, Osaka was pushed hardest in the fourth round when she had to save two match points against Garbine Muguruza but thereafter never looked in danger.

Four for Osaka: How Naomi's Grand Slams were won

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

Novak Djokovic says going unbeaten in eight Australian Open finals will give him confidence in Sunday's decider, but he'll need more than that to overcome "the man to beat" -- red-hot Russian Daniil Medvedev.

The Serbian world number one is into his ninth decider at Melbourne Park as he targets an 18th Slam title to close the gap on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who have 20 each.

It has been a rollercoaster ride to get there, with Djokovic uncharacteristically dropping five sets as he battled an abdominal injury that nearly forced him to pull out.

But after his semi-final, Djokovic said he was feeling better than at any time during the past fortnight as he prepares to defend his crown against a man on a 20-match unbeaten streak.

The Serb heads into the showpiece on Sunday evening with the phenomenal record of never losing a final on Melbourne's famous blue courts in eight attempts spanning 13 years.

Djokovic will also be playing his 28th Grand Slam final, in contrast to the Russian's second.&nbsp;

But the 33-year-old, who swept past qualifier Aslan Karatsev in the semi-finals, said while experience was clearly an advantage, Medvedev was also in electric form.

"Of course it contributes to more confidence, prior to coming into the finals knowing that I never lost in the finals or semi-finals just makes me feel more comfortable being on the court," he said.

"But each year is different, although it does have a mental effect on me. Maybe on my opponents, I don't know, but on me it does definitely have a positive effect.

"But it's not a decisive factor in the way the match is going to go forward, because&nbsp;each year is different."

Medvedev is unbeaten since last November, including a straight-sets drubbing of the Serb at the ATP Finals in London, with Djokovic deeming him "the man to beat".

"He's just so solid. Also, I heard (commentator) Jim Courier calling him a master chess player because of the way he tactically positions himself on the court, and it's true," he said.

"You know, he's definitely a very smart tennis player."

<h2>- 'He's the favourite' -</h2>

Medvedev, who has dropped just two sets so far, insisted that despite having all the momentum he was still the underdog.

"He's the favourite because he didn't lose. On eight occasions that he was here in the semis he won the tournament," said the 25-year-old.

"Me, I'm... the challenger, the guy that challenges the guy who was eight times in the final and won eight times. And I'm happy about it.

"I know that to beat him you need to just show your best tennis, be at your best physically maybe four or five hours, and be at your best mentally maybe for five hours," he added.

Despite playing down his chances, Medvedev, who also reached the 2019 US Open final, losing to Nadal, has the weapons to trouble Djokovic, with a big serve, unrelenting returns and exceptional movement as he targets a maiden Grand Slam title.

Twelve of his 20 straight wins have been against top-10 players and he has won three of his last four against the 17-time Grand Slam-winning Serb.

"Playing Novak seven times already is just a huge experience," he said.

"(But) I think when he's in the zone he doesn't miss. He goes down the line, cross, forehand, backhand, he doesn't miss. That's what is the toughest part of playing against him."

Novak Djokovic says going unbeaten in eight Australian Open finals will give him confidence in Sunday's decider, but he'll need more than that to overcome "the man to beat" -- red-hot Russian Daniil Medvedev.

Novak Djokovic says going unbeaten in eight Australian Open finals will give him confidence in Sunday's decider, but he'll need more than that to overcome "the man to beat" -- red-hot Russian Daniil Medvedev. The Serbian world number one is into his ninth decider at Melbourne Park as he targets an 18th Slam title to close the gap on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who have 20 each. It has been a rollercoaster ride to get there, with Djokovic uncharacteristically dropping five sets as he battled an abdominal injury that nearly forced him to pull out. But after his semi-final, Djokovic said he was feeling better than at any time during the past fortnight as he prepares to defend his crown against a man on a 20-match unbeaten streak. The Serb heads into the showpiece on Sunday evening with the phenomenal record of never losing a final on Melbourne's famous blue courts in eight attempts spanning 13 years. Djokovic will also be playing his 28th Grand Slam final, in contrast to the Russian's second. But the 33-year-old, who swept past qualifier Aslan Karatsev in the semi-finals, said while experience was clearly an advantage, Medvedev was also in electric form. "Of course it contributes to more confidence, prior to coming into the finals knowing that I never lost in the finals or semi-finals just makes me feel more comfortable being on the court," he said. "But each year is different, although it does have a mental effect on me. Maybe on my opponents, I don't know, but on me it does definitely have a positive effect. "But it's not a decisive factor in the way the match is going to go forward, because each year is different." Medvedev is unbeaten since last November, including a straight-sets drubbing of the Serb at the ATP Finals in London, with Djokovic deeming him "the man to beat". "He's just so solid. Also, I heard (commentator) Jim Courier calling him a master chess player because of the way he tactically positions himself on the court, and it's true," he said. "You know, he's definitely a very smart tennis player." - 'He's the favourite' - Medvedev, who has dropped just two sets so far, insisted that despite having all the momentum he was still the underdog. "He's the favourite because he didn't lose. On eight occasions that he was here in the semis he won the tournament," said the 25-year-old. "Me, I'm... the challenger, the guy that challenges the guy who was eight times in the final and won eight times. And I'm happy about it. "I know that to beat him you need to just show your best tennis, be at your best physically maybe four or five hours, and be at your best mentally maybe for five hours," he added. Despite playing down his chances, Medvedev, who also reached the 2019 US Open final, losing to Nadal, has the weapons to trouble Djokovic, with a big serve, unrelenting returns and exceptional movement as he targets a maiden Grand Slam title. Twelve of his 20 straight wins have been against top-10 players and he has won three of his last four against the 17-time Grand Slam-winning Serb. "Playing Novak seven times already is just a huge experience," he said. "(But) I think when he's in the zone he doesn't miss. He goes down the line, cross, forehand, backhand, he doesn't miss. That's what is the toughest part of playing against him."

King Novak faces 'challenger' Medvedev in Australian Open final

Naomi Osaka says nobody remembers a loser -- and she doesn't plan to be one when she tries to win a fourth Grand Slam crown against Jennifer Brady in the Australian Open final on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A second trophy at Melbourne Park would mean the 23-year-old from Japan has won half of the majors she's contested since her&nbsp;first at the US Open final in 2018 -- an infamous match forever remembered for Serena Williams's implosion.

Osaka's demolition of Williams in the semi-final on Thursday ended the 39-year-old's latest attempt to win an elusive record-equalling 24th Slam title and reinforced the belief that a new generation is taking over from the American.

Osaka is at the forefront of the young wave and credits a new-found mental maturity for being able to battle through matches under the highest pressure.

And she had a warning for the 22nd-seeded American Brady ahead of the final.

"I have this mentality that people don't remember the runners-up," she said.

"I think I fight the hardest in the finals. I think that's where you sort of set yourself apart."

Osaka is hot favourite against Brady, who is making her Grand Slam final debut after being forced into a hard 14-day quarantine ahead of the Australian Open, where she was confined to her hotel room and unable to train. &nbsp;

The pair first clashed as juniors in Florida seven years ago when Brady won.&nbsp;

Osaka has won both their matches since with their rivalry hitting new heights in the second of those, last year's epic US Open semi-final.

Eventual champion Osaka prevailed 7-6 (7/1), 3-6, 6-3 in a nerve-jangling encounter, dubbed by some as the best match of the truncated 2020 season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Was probably (in the) top two matches I've played in my life," Osaka said of the classic at Flushing Meadows.&nbsp;

"I think the matches I remember the most when I'm having a very hard time.&nbsp;I think about that match a lot."&nbsp;

<h2>- 'She hits it huge' -</h2>

Third seed Osaka believes she had sharpened her game since then, which will be crucial to blunt the strong-serving American.&nbsp;

"I play a little bit different now," said Osaka,&nbsp;who is riding an unbeaten 20-match winning streak stretching 12 months.&nbsp;

"I think my returns are better.&nbsp;I can't fully base everything on that match, but definitely it's something to reference."

Brady, 25, has not faced a higher-ranked player in her run to the final, helped by the exits of world number one Ashleigh Barty and defending champion Sofia Kenin on her side of the draw.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Having not lost a set until surviving a three-set thriller to Karolina Muchova in the semis, Brady knows she's in for a fight against a player she long believed was destined for stardom.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We grew up playing junior local tournaments in Florida," she said.&nbsp;

"I remember playing her, I was, like, 'Wow, she hits the ball huge. She's going to be good. She's got something special'."&nbsp;

Brady, who "didn't really like" tennis a youngster but rekindled her love for the sport at college, has revelled in self-belief since her breakthrough in New York, but admitted the cauldron of a Slam final will be a new experience.&nbsp; &nbsp;

"I don't know how I'm going to feel on Saturday," she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"There are going to be moments, games, points where I'm going to be thinking ... 'Wow, this could be my first Grand Slam title'."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Osaka is more experienced on the highest stage despite being two years younger and has changed her attitude to big-match occasions.

"I used to weigh my entire existence on if I won or lost a tennis match," she said. "That's just not how I feel any more."&nbsp;

Osaka, who has never lost a Slam match after getting past the fourth round, is aiming to become the first woman's player since Monica Seles to win her first four Grand Slam finals.

Naomi Osaka says nobody remembers a loser -- and she doesn't plan to be one when she tries to win a fourth Grand Slam crown against Jennifer Brady in the Australian Open final on Saturday.

Naomi Osaka says nobody remembers a loser -- and she doesn't plan to be one when she tries to win a fourth Grand Slam crown against Jennifer Brady in the Australian Open final on Saturday. A second trophy at Melbourne Park would mean the 23-year-old from Japan has won half of the majors she's contested since her first at the US Open final in 2018 -- an infamous match forever remembered for Serena Williams's implosion. Osaka's demolition of Williams in the semi-final on Thursday ended the 39-year-old's latest attempt to win an elusive record-equalling 24th Slam title and reinforced the belief that a new generation is taking over from the American. Osaka is at the forefront of the young wave and credits a new-found mental maturity for being able to battle through matches under the highest pressure. And she had a warning for the 22nd-seeded American Brady ahead of the final. "I have this mentality that people don't remember the runners-up," she said. "I think I fight the hardest in the finals. I think that's where you sort of set yourself apart." Osaka is hot favourite against Brady, who is making her Grand Slam final debut after being forced into a hard 14-day quarantine ahead of the Australian Open, where she was confined to her hotel room and unable to train. The pair first clashed as juniors in Florida seven years ago when Brady won. Osaka has won both their matches since with their rivalry hitting new heights in the second of those, last year's epic US Open semi-final. Eventual champion Osaka prevailed 7-6 (7/1), 3-6, 6-3 in a nerve-jangling encounter, dubbed by some as the best match of the truncated 2020 season. "Was probably (in the) top two matches I've played in my life," Osaka said of the classic at Flushing Meadows. "I think the matches I remember the most when I'm having a very hard time. I think about that match a lot." - 'She hits it huge' - Third seed Osaka believes she had sharpened her game since then, which will be crucial to blunt the strong-serving American. "I play a little bit different now," said Osaka, who is riding an unbeaten 20-match winning streak stretching 12 months. "I think my returns are better. I can't fully base everything on that match, but definitely it's something to reference." Brady, 25, has not faced a higher-ranked player in her run to the final, helped by the exits of world number one Ashleigh Barty and defending champion Sofia Kenin on her side of the draw. Having not lost a set until surviving a three-set thriller to Karolina Muchova in the semis, Brady knows she's in for a fight against a player she long believed was destined for stardom. "We grew up playing junior local tournaments in Florida," she said. "I remember playing her, I was, like, 'Wow, she hits the ball huge. She's going to be good. She's got something special'." Brady, who "didn't really like" tennis a youngster but rekindled her love for the sport at college, has revelled in self-belief since her breakthrough in New York, but admitted the cauldron of a Slam final will be a new experience. "I don't know how I'm going to feel on Saturday," she said. "There are going to be moments, games, points where I'm going to be thinking ... 'Wow, this could be my first Grand Slam title'." Osaka is more experienced on the highest stage despite being two years younger and has changed her attitude to big-match occasions. "I used to weigh my entire existence on if I won or lost a tennis match," she said. "That's just not how I feel any more." Osaka, who has never lost a Slam match after getting past the fourth round, is aiming to become the first woman's player since Monica Seles to win her first four Grand Slam finals.

'I fight hardest in finals' - Osaka's Australian Open warning to Brady

Russia's Daniil Medvedev insisted the pressure was all on Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final after he breezed past Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets in the semis on Friday.

Medvedev, now into his second Grand Slam decider on the back of a 20-match winning streak, said the world number one has "more things to lose" on Sunday.

Djokovic, with 17 major titles, has won all eight of his Australian Open finals and is looking to close the gap on the record of 20 Slam trophies held by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

"I like that I don't have a lot of pressure because he never lost in eight times that he was here in the final," said the 25-year-old world number four.

"So it's him who has all the pressure, getting to Roger and Rafa in the Grand Slams (list).

"So I just hope that I'm going to get out there, show my best tennis. As we see I can beat some big names if I play good.

"For sure he has more experience, but more things to lose."

Medvedev, a 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 winner against Tsitsipas, has now beaten 12 top-10 players and lifted three trophies during his winning run.

He said the lessons learned in his debut Slam final, when he came from two sets down to give Nadal a huge scare at the 2019 US Open, would help him on Sunday.

"It's experience, it was my first Grand Slam final against one of the greatest. On Sunday I'm going to come against one of the other greatest," he said.

"I played against Rafa in this crazy US Open match. It's an experience that maybe, if we're going to have some crazy match, can turn some things for me and not against me."

Russia's Daniil Medvedev insisted the pressure was all on Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final after he breezed past Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets in the semis on Friday.

Russia's Daniil Medvedev insisted the pressure was all on Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final after he breezed past Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets in the semis on Friday. Medvedev, now into his second Grand Slam decider on the back of a 20-match winning streak, said the world number one has "more things to lose" on Sunday. Djokovic, with 17 major titles, has won all eight of his Australian Open finals and is looking to close the gap on the record of 20 Slam trophies held by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. "I like that I don't have a lot of pressure because he never lost in eight times that he was here in the final," said the 25-year-old world number four. "So it's him who has all the pressure, getting to Roger and Rafa in the Grand Slams (list). "So I just hope that I'm going to get out there, show my best tennis. As we see I can beat some big names if I play good. "For sure he has more experience, but more things to lose." Medvedev, a 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 winner against Tsitsipas, has now beaten 12 top-10 players and lifted three trophies during his winning run. He said the lessons learned in his debut Slam final, when he came from two sets down to give Nadal a huge scare at the 2019 US Open, would help him on Sunday. "It's experience, it was my first Grand Slam final against one of the greatest. On Sunday I'm going to come against one of the other greatest," he said. "I played against Rafa in this crazy US Open match. It's an experience that maybe, if we're going to have some crazy match, can turn some things for me and not against me."

Pressure on Djokovic in Australian Open final, says Medvedev

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

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