‘His level is mind-boggling’: Tennis world reacts to imperious Daniil Medvedev’s Australian Open semifinal win
After Daniil Medvedev secured a spot in the Australian Open final by blitzing Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets, the internet was abuzz with praise for the Russian star's incredible progress.
The 25-year-old Medvedev produced a near-flawless match on Friday, sealing a three-set win 6-4, 6-2, 7-5, and setting up a clash with world number one Novak Djokovic in the final.
READ MORE: Inspired Medvedev blows away Tsitsipas to set up Australian Open final date with Djokovic
The fourth seed recorded his 20th victory in a row, extending a whopping winning streak which dates back to November.
25yo Daniil Medvedev wins a 20th consecutive match to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 and reach his first #AusOpen final.That's his 2nd Grand Slam final, after the 2019 US Open.[getty] pic.twitter.com/9RTQUIhuDH
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) February 19, 2021
Medvedev's stunning hailed by tennis fans, who noted that the Russian ace has defeated every top 10 player except for Federer in recent months.
“Daniil Medvedev has now defeated EVERY current top 10 player (except for a sidelined Federer) since last November,” one user wrote.
Daniil Medvedev has now defeated EVERY current top 10 player (except for a sidelined Federer) since last November.1. Djokovic x12. Nadal x13. Thiem x1(4. Medvedev)(5. Federer)6. Tsitsipas x17. Zverev x38. Rublev x19. Schwartzman x310. Berrettini x1
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) February 19, 2021
“This is tasty,” the Tennis podcast commented on Medvedev’s post-match interview, in which he said that it is Djokovic who should be nervous ahead of their final match.
This is tasty. Medvedev on Sunday's final: 'I don't have a lot of pressure because he never lost in 8 times that he was in the final. It's him who has all the pressure, getting to Roger, Rafa, in the Grand Slams, so ... For sure he has more experience, but more things to lose.' pic.twitter.com/ENMFlJ7XMh
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) February 19, 2021
Others praised Medvedev’s style, pointing out that he hits some mind-blowing shots that make his opponents struggle on the court.
“When Medvedev plays like this I honestly don't understand why most people seem to think he's not entertaining to watch, with the winners he's hitting. This level of play is mind-boggling,” one person said.
When Medvedev plays like this I honestly don't understand why most people seem to think he's not entertaining to watch, with the winners he's hitting. This level of play is mind-boggling.
— Erik Jonsson (@erktennis) February 19, 2021
Absolutely unreal backhand pass from Medvedev to get the big break. 🎥@Eurosport_RUpic.twitter.com/WGtx5xcoUK
— Matthew Willis (@MattRacquet) February 19, 2021
Medvedev is now set to play in his second Grand Slam final. In 2019, he reached the decisive stage of the US Open, where he lost to Nadal in five sets.
Djokovic, who will fight for his ninth Australian Open trophy, has won all eight of the previous finals he's taken part in.