NEW DELHI: In a thrilling showdown at Arthur Ashe Stadium, World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev brought an end to top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz's quest to defend his US Open title. The Russian star secured a hard-fought victory over the Spanish sensation in four sets, with a final scoreline of 7-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, in a match that lasted just over three hours at Flushing Meadows.
Alcaraz had been on track to become the first man since Roger Federer's five-year reign from 2004 to 2008 to clinch back-to-back US Open titles. However, his aspirations were dashed by the 2021 US Open Champion, Medvedev. The first set witnessed both players holding their serves, with Medvedev facing some challenges in his first serve but ultimately clinching the set in a tie-break at 7-3.
The second set showcased Medvedev's dominance, as he broke Alcaraz's serve twice and comfortably took the set 6-1. Alcaraz, determined to stay in the match, found his rhythm in the third set, securing two crucial break points and ultimately winning it 6-3. However, in the fourth set, Alcaraz's serve faltered, allowing Medvedev to seize the opportunity. Medvedev broke Alcaraz's serve and served out the match, claiming victory and a spot in the US Open final.
Medvedev's triumph sets the stage for a highly anticipated US Open final rematch with Serbian great Novak Djokovic. Djokovic had already made his way to the final with an emphatic straight-sets victory over America's Ben Shelton, winning 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) in the earlier semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Notably, this final holds special significance as Medvedev had thwarted Djokovic's pursuit of a calendar Grand Slam just two years prior. Djokovic had entered the 2021 US Open on the cusp of becoming the first men's tennis star to achieve this historic feat since 1969. Having triumphed in the previous three Grand Slam events - the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon - Djokovic's quest was halted in the final in New York by Medvedev. As a result, this rematch promises high stakes and intense competition, as Djokovic seeks redemption, while Medvedev aims to repeat his earlier victory.
Daniil Medvedev's impressive semifinal win over Carlos Alcaraz sets the stage for an electrifying US Open final rematch with Novak Djokovic, a contest sure to captivate tennis fans around the world.
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