Australian Open: Daniil Medvedev in the footsteps of Naomi Osaka
Daniil Medvedev wants to win his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in the final against Novak Djokovic (from 9:30 a.m. live on ServusTV, Eurosport and in our live ticker ) - and is following in the footsteps of NaomiOsaka .
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Feb 20, 2021, 03:30 pm
21. This is the number that has a very special meaning at the Australian Open this year - not only for Rafael Nadal, who won his 21st Grand Slam title with a triumph in Melbourne and Roger Federer in the eternal Leaderboard would have overtaken.
For Naomi Osaka and Daniil Medvedev , too, this number developed into an extremely special one in the course of the Australian Open. Both had traveled en suite to Australia with 14 successes in the run-up to the first Grand Slam event of the year - with the exception of two injuries-related cancellations by the Japanese.
Medvedev beats the best
After her triumph in Melbourne, the 23-year-old now has 21 victories in a row - a number that Daniil Medvedev is also aiming for in the men's final against Novak Djokovic. The Russian's winning streak is sometimes even more impressive than that of Osaka: While the four-time Grand Slam winner did not face a single top ten player, the 25-year-old had to compete against opponents from this region of the world rankings a proud twelve times. And just as often left the square as a triumphant.
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Except for the long-term injured Roger Federer, Medvedev won at least one victory against every top ten player in the course of his run of success. "It's great for self-confidence when you beat everyone. Because I think people are starting to be a little afraid of you," said the Russian.
Djokovic still without a final defeat in Melbourne
Novak Djokovic should not necessarily be afraid in view of the flawless record in his eight Australian Open finals, but the world number one will certainly be warned about Medvedev. The Russian is a "chess player" on the tennis court and moves extremely well for his size.
In addition, Medvedev, who would advance to second place in the world rankings in a tournament victory , won three of the last four duels with Djokovic. Overall, the 17-time Grand Slam winner still leads 4: 3 in a direct comparison, but the experience from the previous clashes would certainly benefit Medvedev: "These small details give me the chance to be the winner on Sunday ". And thus to catch up with Naomi Osaka.
Here is the men's single tableau at the Australian Open
laver arena