US OPEN: Daniil Medvedev will Face-Off Novak Djokovic
QUEENS, NY - It was Daniil Medvedev who declared victory after eliminating Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (3), 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 on Friday at Arthur Ashe Stadium. His win has set up a rematch in the final against Novak Djokovic, a 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (4) winner over unseeded American Ben Shelton earlier Friday. It was clear the fan favorite was Alcaraz as the crowd roared as he scored, but it was Medvedev who stole the show.
PHOTO CREDIT: US OPEN
"These kinds of matches can happen," Alcaraz said following the loss.
PHOTO CREDIT: US OPEN
It was evident after Medvedev climbed to a 3-0 lead in the second set, the frustration began to set in. Alcaraz went to the sideline and thought about smacking his racket against a couple of plastic bottles on the floor near his seat, but held back. "It was tough," Alcaraz admitted, "for me to stay calm. "Competitiveness was for certain, however, mentally Alcaraz held it together. The entire match showcased the brilliance of both men, as they displayed their athleticism, instincts, and shot-making that brought fans out of their seats during a nail-biting finish.
Prior to Friday's match-up, Medvedev predicted he would need to play "11 out of 10" to defeat defending champion and top-seeded Alcaraz at the US Open. The Russian star surpassed his prediction as he proclaimed victory stating "I played 12 out of 10."
It has always been a battle for these two, as Medvedev had lost to Alcaraz twice this season, including in the Wimbledon semifinals. Those head-to-head results left Medvedev concerned for the upcoming match however, he persevered and is now eyeing the Grand Slam against Djokovic.
US OPEN: Novak Djokovic Eyes 24th Grand Slam Title
Ben Shelton picked up the call, but Novak Djokovic answered. Djokovic finished off the electrifying match with a 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (4) victory and reached his record-tying 10th final and 36th at all major tournaments. Djokovic mimicked Shelton's "hang up the phone" celebration putting the end to the young stars’ US Open run.
Shelton humbly responds back to the press regarding Djokovic mimicking his celebration stating “I think if you win the match you deserve to do whatever you want,” Shelton said. “You know, as a kid growing up, I always learned that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so…that’s all I have to say about that.”
Regardless of the press, it will be Djokovic and Medvedev for the Championship. Djokovic describes being a 36-year-old who is now eyeing his 24th Grand Slam title as he celebrates what could possibly be his last one.
“Well, fact is that, at 36, every Grand Slam final ... could be the last one. So, I think that I probably value these occasions and opportunities to win another Slam more than I have maybe 10 years ago,” said Djokovic, who would be the oldest man to win the U.S. Open in the professional era, which began in 1968. “I don’t know how many I have ahead of me now.”
PHOTO Credit: SKY SPORTS
Today it will be Medvedev and Djokovic who will battle at Arthur Ashe Stadium! Stay tuned to see who will be crowned the Grand Slam Champion!
