Will Medvedev become a spoilsport again?
13 years later this Sunday (9.30 a.m. CET, live ticker at sportschau.de) in the renewed final of the Australian Open, a very special success was added, provided that the Russian US Open Champion Daniil Medvedev will not once again act as a spoilsport. “I’m happy to have the chance to stop someone from making history again”said Medvedev rebelliously.
Not even half a year ago that the second in the world rankings managed to prevent an extraordinary chapter in tennis history. In the final of new York in September 2021, Medvedev blocked the Serbian world number one Novak Djokovic the way to the 21st Grand Slamtitle and triumph in all four Grand Slam tournaments in one year.
Now Nadal is aiming for this extraordinary number 21 title, with which he would have one more than his long-time comrades-in-arms Djokovic and Federer. “I know what’s happening. I know what Rafa is about. I know what Novak is about”said Medvedev, but defused his verbal attack: “It’s kind of her business, not mine. I’m just here to try and win the final.”
leader of the young generation
With his second consecutive Grand Slam final, Medvedev is cementing his role as the leader of the young generation. He is currently a few steps ahead of the one year younger Olympic champion Alexander Zverev, who failed in Melbourne in the round of 16. As the first player in the history of professional tennis, Medvedev could follow his first Grand Slam title with his second. “I know what I’m capable of when I play well. I know I can beat anyone”said Medvedev after his final against the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Either way, Djokovic will be among the losers on Sunday. The 34-year-old Serb was finally refused entry to Australia the day before the tournament started. Djokovic wants to return to the tennis tour in Dubai at the end of February. On the final day in Melbourne, like Federer, he either loses his Grand Slam record to Nadal. Or he will very likely lose the top position in the world rankings. Medvedev is expected to replace him at the top by February 21 at the latest in the event of a triumph.
Nadal is aiming for history
A Medvedev win would continue Nadal’s series of losing finals. At no other Grand Slam tournament did the Spaniard suffer as many disappointments as at the Australian Open. After four of his five Melbourne-The left-hander left the place as a loser in finals: 2012 and 2019 against Djokovic, 2014 against Stan Wawrinka, 2017 against Federer. In down under His physical problems often prevented him.
This time Melbourne could have a happy ending for him of all people after a long period suffering from a complicated foot problem. He could hardly put into words what it means to him to be in the final again in Australia, Nadal said after his semi-final success about Italian Matteo Berrettini: “It’s completely unexpected for me, so I’m super happy”said the 35-year-old, “but of course everyone knows me and I always do my best. Of course my aim now is to win.”
dpa, red
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Status: 01/29/2022, 19:33