Medvedev takes down Alcaraz in four sets, awaits Djokovic in US Open final

Daniil Medvedev defeated Carlos Alcaraz in four sets in the US Open semi-finals on Friday night. Medvedev vs Novak Djokovic will be a rematch of the 2021 final

Daniil Medvedev at the 2023 US Open (Chryslene Caillaud/Panoramic)

Ricky Dimon

September 9, 2023

US Open •Semi-final • completed

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C. AlcarazvsD. Medvedev

Carlos Alcaraz had destroyed Daniil Medvedev in easy straight sets in their two previous meetings this season, so almost everyone in the tennis world expected to see another chapter of the Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic rivalry in Sunday’s US Open final.

But Daniil Medvedev had other ideas.

Medvedev avenged recent losses to Alcaraz in Indian Wells and at Wimbledon by upsetting the world No 1 7-6 (3), 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 after three hours and 19 minutes of play. The Russian will battle Djokovic for the title in a rematch of the 2021 final at Flushing Meadows, which Medvedev won in straight sets to prevent the Serb from capturing the calendar-year Grand Slam.

“All four sets I played great,” the 27-year-old assessed. “(In the) third set I played, let’s call it like this, I said I need to play 11 out of 10, all the three sets I won I managed to do it. In the third set I would say I was maybe 9.5 (or) maybe 10 out of 10 — and as we saw, it was not enough against Carlos.

“I managed to play well, I managed to serve well, hit some lines in important moments, some great shots. (I’m) just really happy. But the tournament is not over.”

Medvedev thwarts Alcaraz comeback attempt

After Medvedev took the first two sets, Alcaraz started clawing his way back in the third. The 20-year-old finally got some momentum on his side when he broke for a 3-1 advantage. Alcaraz eventually survived a deuce game for 5-2 before serving out the set at 5-3.

The fourth set all came down to a trio of dramatic games, all of which went Medvedev’s way.

The world No 3 saved three break points at 1-1 and managed to hold. With Alcaraz serving at 2-3, the top seed had a whopping seven game points but could not get over the line. Medvedev eventually converted his second break chance with a perfect backhand return that Alcaraz — who served and volleyed — could not handle at his feet. Serving for victory at 5-3, Medvedev fought off three break points and needed four match points to get the job done.

Daniil Medvedev, US Open, 2023 — Daniil Medvedev through to his fourth US Open semi-final © Chryslene Caillaud / Panoramic

Alcaraz laments loss of first set

Medvedev was always playing from ahead on Friday night after taking the first set in a tiebreaker. Although Alcaraz’s level was high for most of the opening frame of play, it broke down when it mattered most. The Spaniard dropped four points in succession starting at 3-3.

“I think I started the match pretty well,” he reflected. “It was a close first set. In the tiebreak, after 3-all, let’s say, I lost my mind. I made three or four points without control. I didn’t think. I totally lost my mind in that set. (I was) fighting for 50 minutes and then for four points (I) lost my mind. It was really tough for me to handle it.”

Carlos Alcaraz US Open 2023 - Zuma / Panoramic — Carlos Alcaraz US Open 2023 – Zuma / Panoramic

Djokovic vs. Medvedev for US Open title

Sunday will mark the 15th meeting between Djokovic and Medvedev. Djokovic leads the head-to-head series 9-5, but in addition to beating the Serb in the 2021 US Open final Medvedev also won their most recent encounter 6-4, 6-4 earlier this season in Dubai.