The 2023 Adelaide International 1 featured one of the best possible semifinal matchups as two former world no. 1s met.
Novak Djokovic took on Daniil Medvedev as both players were yet to lose a set in Australia this year. The Serbian previously defeated Constant Lestienne, Quentin Halys, and Denis Shapovalov, while his Russian opponent bested Lorenzo Sonego, Miomir Kecmanovic, and compatriot Karen Khachanov.
Djokovic started well in the first set as he broke his opponent already in the fourth game and soon enjoyed a three-game lead at 4-1. He then faced a break point in the seventh game, but his opponent couldn't break him and the Serbian increased his lead to 5-2.
However, he struggled with a thigh injury, and so he took a medical time-out, which saw him being treated for 10 minutes. Eventually, the Serbian returned and won the first set 6-3.
In the second set, both players were really solid on their serves and for a moment it seemed that a tie-break will needed to decide it.
Yet, the 21-time Grand Slam champion showed his strengths once again to break his opponent to get a 4-3 lead. In the next game, Djokovic faced two break points from Medvedev, but his shots didn't let him down when he needed it and increased the lead to 5-3.
Both players then held their serve comfortably and so Djokovic won the match 6-3, 6-4 in an hour and 24 minutes to book a final spot at the 2023 Adelaide International 1, where he will meet Sebastian Korda.
0 Comments