Sports

Djokovic Made to Work by Medvedev in Turin Thriller

Novak Djokovic remained unbeaten at the ATP finals on Friday after a battling 6-3, 6-7 (5/7) 7-6 (7/2) win over Daniil Medvedev.

Djokovic went into the Red Group dead tie already assured of his place in the semi-finals after wins over Andrey Rublev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Medvedev in contrast was already eliminated after losses in both his outings on the hardcourt in Turin.

Djokovic faces American Taylor Fritz on Saturday with the second semi-final between Casper Ruud and the winner of Friday’s late game between Tsitsipas and Rublev.

After having to dig deep into his mental and physical reserves Djokovic said: “Daniil and I have had some battles in the past and I knew coming into the match that it was going to be his last match of the season and he wouldn’t want to finish with a loss.”

With both players trading punches like heavyweights in the ring Djokovic took the first set only for Medvedev to force a decider sealing the second set on his fourth set point.

Djokovic rallied back from a break down to earn his 40th tour-level win of the season after three hours and five minutes.

“I started off very well. I had chances in the second set, had some break points but he played very well in those decisive points,” he said.

“He was playing really quick. I didn’t feel physically well in the third set, struggled a lot. It is a battle and it is a fight.”

The 35-year-old is aiming to tie Roger Federer’s record six triumphs at the tournament, which is being held in Turin for the second time.

The former World No. 1 has now won 16 of his past 17 matches, having triumphed in Tel Aviv and Astana last month.

Aside from his three on court wins this week, he was boosted by the news that he has been granted a visa to play in the Australian Open in January.

He was kicked out of the country in the lead-up to the Melbourne Grand Slam earlier this year after refusing to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

Follow us on:

AriseNews

View Comments

  • ??????!!ANNOUNCEMENT!!
    NIGERIA AUCTION'S BAGS OF RICE ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE WITH GOOD AFFORDABLE PRICES INTERESTED BUYERS SHOULD KINDLY CONTACT US WITH THIS NUMBER 07043761599All KINDS OF RICE PER BAG'S IS PRICE 15,500
    GROUNDNUT OIL PER KEG 9,500
    OGUN ZONE 2

    IPOKIA STREET
    CUSTOM YARD
    NOTE :-
    LIST AND PRICES OF Groundnut oil BELOW!!

    KINGS OIL 25L = #9,500
    WESSON OIL 25L = #9,500 and LOTS MORE.........
    07043761599

Recent Posts

Federal Government Reinstates Ikechebelu as Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK

The federal government has reinstated Professor Joseph Ikechebelu as acting Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, nullifying Professor…

20 mins ago

Court Of Appeal Nullifies Judgment Blocking Voter Register Release For Rivers LG Polls

Court of Appeal has overturned the Federal High Court ruling barring INEC from releasing voter…

23 mins ago

Kenya Cancels Adani Contracts as US Prosecutors Charge Tycoon with Fraud

Kenya has cancelled airport and energy deals with Adani following US bribery and fraud charges…

30 mins ago

Brazil’s Former President Bolsonaro, 36 Others Indicted Over Alleged Coup Attempt In Brazil

Brazil’s former president Bolsonaro and 36 others have been indicted for allegedly attempting a coup…

32 mins ago

Republican David McCormick Triumphs As Democrat Sen. Bob Casey Concedes After Recount

Republican David McCormick won Pennsylvania Senate seat as Democratic Sen. Bob Casey concedes after recount…

34 mins ago

Trudeau Announces Temporary Tax Relief and Cheques Amid Rising Living Costs

Trudeau's government has announced plans for temporary tax relief, cheques for Canadians amid rising costs…

37 mins ago