Daniil Medvedev secured a remarkable victory against Carlos Alcaraz, ending the latter’s US Open reign with a 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 3-6 6-3 win. This sets up a final showdown between Medvedev and Novak Djokovic. While this final won’t continue the highly anticipated rivalry between Djokovic and Alcaraz, it promises some intriguing storylines. Djokovic, at 36 years old, is aiming for his fourth US Open title, which would equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slams. It also offers Medvedev a chance for revenge after Djokovic defeated him in straight sets two years ago, denying him a calendar Grand Slam.
Medvedev expressed his satisfaction with the victory, particularly against a formidable opponent like Carlos Alcaraz, whom he had previously struggled against this year. He acknowledged that he needed to perform exceptionally well to beat Alcaraz, and he did just that, except for a slight dip in the third set.
Medvedev, who has had a complex relationship with the US Open crowd over the years, praised the enthusiastic spectators during the match. He mentioned a few disruptions from some Spanish fans but appreciated the overall support.
The match between these two hardcourt titans started with a tightly contested first set, with Medvedev ultimately dominating the tie-break. Alcaraz, known for his resilience, faced a daunting challenge as Medvedev extended his flawless record of winning matches at Flushing Meadows after taking the first set.
The second set saw Alcaraz broken twice, and his trademark smile faded as he fell further behind. Alcaraz, despite his young age, had never come back from a two-set deficit in his career. However, he managed to break Medvedev’s serve and narrow the gap with a superb backhand lob.
The turning point came in the sixth game of the fourth set when Medvedev secured a crucial break for a 4-2 lead. Alcaraz had break opportunities at 3-5 down, but Medvedev held on, although he did double-fault on his first match point. Alcaraz saved two more match points, but Medvedev ultimately converted the fourth to advance to his third US Open final in five years.
Medvedev acknowledged the challenge ahead of facing Djokovic, a 23-time Grand Slam winner, with only one Grand Slam title to his name. He recognized that he would need to exceed his own expectations once again to stand a chance against the formidable Djokovic.
Alcaraz vs Medvedev: Tale of the Tape
In the matchup between Alcaraz and Medvedev, here’s a breakdown of their key statistics:
- Aces: Alcaraz 0, Medvedev 9
- Double Faults: Alcaraz 0, Medvedev 10
- 1st Serve Win Percentage: Alcaraz 69%, Medvedev 82%
- 2nd Serve Win Percentage: Alcaraz 48%, Medvedev 50%
- Break Points Won: Alcaraz 1/9, Medvedev 3/7
- Total Winners: Alcaraz 45, Medvedev 38
- Unforced Errors: Alcaraz 38, Medvedev 32
- Total Points Won: Alcaraz 121, Medvedev 141
These statistics provide a snapshot of their performance in the match, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in various aspects of the game.
Alcaraz: Medvedev always finds the passing shot… from his house
Carlos Alcaraz, who is set to lose his No. 1 ranking to Djokovic regardless of the final outcome on Sunday, aimed to achieve a rare feat in New York by becoming the first man to secure consecutive championships since Roger Federer’s five-year streak from 2004 to 2008.
Reflecting on his performance, Alcaraz acknowledged the match’s competitiveness and his personal growth. Despite the loss, he sees it as a valuable learning experience that will contribute to his improvement in similar situations in the future.
Alcaraz also praised his opponent, Daniil Medvedev, highlighting his exceptional skills as one of the tour’s best returners. He marveled at Medvedev’s ability to return powerful shots from the back of the court and execute precise passing shots even when Alcaraz attempted serve and volley tactics.
The US Open on Sky Sports
Sky Sports has reintroduced tennis to its sports lineup, reinforcing its position as the premier destination for live sports coverage in the UK and Ireland. The broadcaster’s new mixed reality studio is equipped with custom LED screens, integrated light features, and an open canopy roof, creating a dynamic and colorful setting that captures the excitement of the final Grand Slam of the year.
This advanced studio features augmented reality capabilities, a versatile LED floor, and a “fourth wall” that immerses viewers in the Arthur Ashe Stadium, providing a 360-degree immersive experience. Sky Sports’ tennis experts will offer in-depth Hawkeye analysis and insights, allowing viewers to see the game from the players’ perspective as the tournament unfolds.
The cutting-edge technology employed here adds a new dimension to the viewing experience, bringing fans closer to the action. Highlights of matches will be accessible on Sky Sports TV and various social media platforms. Video highlights will also be accessible through the Sky Sports website and app, accompanied by daily live text commentary, live scores, reports, analysis, and features.
Via: Skysports
