Russian Daniil Medvedev lost to Spaniard Rafael Nadal in the final of the US Open tennis championship with a score of 5: 7, 3: 6, 7: 5, 6: 4, 4: 6. For many fans this match will be remembered by the persistence shown by the Russian, having managed to return after losing two games, as well as by the high level of the game demonstrated by both rivals.
The undisputed favorite of the meeting was Nadal. Not only the colossal experience of playing in such matches, but also the best physical condition spoke in his favor. At the same time, the first set turned out quite smooth. Medvedev tried not to take risks, but he was not afraid of a more eminent opponent. At the beginning of the game he made the first break. However, this only further enraged the ex-first racket of the world, and Rafa effortlessly restored parity in the next game. Feeling confident, the Spaniard easily took his own submissions, while Daniel had difficulties on his own, and having an advantage in the score 6: 5, the Spaniard squeezed an opponent.
The second batch was held in a similar scenario. With Medvedev, the first serve was disappearing every now and then, which allowed Nadal to actively fight for every point at the reception. After another break, the second tennis player in the world could only take his games.
0: 2 in matches of this level - almost a sentence, especially given the character of the Spaniard, who rarely misses the opportunity provided to him. The statistics also speak in favor of this statement: out of 209 matches at Grand Slam tournaments in which Nadal was leading with such an account, he lost only in one. After the not-so-brightest game played by Medvedev, even the most optimistic fans stopped hoping for a sensation.
“Daniel needs to take the initiative into his own hands, when he has a chance, it is necessary not to cut, but to attack. And it turns out that he gives gifts to Nadal. 2-0 in sets in the US Open final against Raphael - and beat him after this? This is something from the category of science fiction, ”said Marat Safin, the former first racket of the world, on the air of Channel One.
At the start of the third set, nothing portended a sensation. Nadal without resistance took his pitch, made a break and confidently went to the next triumph. All this did not add to the positive mood of the Russian: according to his admission, after giving the pitch in the fifth game, he already began to think about what he would say in the interview after the defeat.
However, on his serve, the Spaniard suddenly flinched. Errors on the back line, double and oiled blows led to the fact that Medvedev not only regained control over the situation, but also went ahead. Then the game leveled off again, but with a score of 6: 5, the Muscovite played aggressively at the reception and, thanks to active attacking actions, left the set for himself.
After an unexpected turn, the stands of the Arthur Ash Arena also revived. And most interestingly, they began to chant the name of the Russian. And if you recall the history of the relationship between a tennis player and local fans during the two weeks of the tournament, then this could be considered a real miracle in the final, in which anything could happen.
It would seem that success was supposed to inspire Medvedev for more confident actions. However, he still had a hard time on his pitch - Nadal did not allow him to relax for a second and easily scored points in his own ball in the game. The fifth racket of the world was again saved by a jerk at the most crucial moment. First, he took his pitch to zero, and then he hooked on the opponent’s pitch and, with the score “less,” struck through the line.
By the beginning of the fifth set, both tennis players were significantly tired, and Medvedev even had to ask for a medical break. The deterioration of physical condition and loss of concentration also affected Nadal, who almost missed the first game on his serve, having won three break points. At the same time, his opponent clearly lacked experience: in the fifth game, he lost, winning 40-0. Then the Spaniard already opened a second wind, and he again took his serve, and then made a second break.
But at that moment Medvedev showed his character and composure. He not only imposed a fight for every point, but also tried to do everything possible to return, not allowing his opponent to even earn match points. First, he played one break, and then won on his serve. Medvedev resisted to the last and even had the opportunity to equalize, but with a score of 4: 5 and “more”, the Spaniard made three mistakes in a row.
After the match, Nadal admitted how nervous and energy-intensive the final was for him, and all this was solely thanks to his opponent.
“The first thing I would like to note after this amazing match is the wonderful game that Daniel showed today. He is already the fourth in the world - this is amazing progress. I want to congratulate you on how you fought. You were worthy of victory. It was a very emotional and unforgettable evening for me. I want to thank everyone. This is a magnificent stadium and speaking to such wonderful spectators is something indescribable, ”said the Spaniard at the award ceremony.
Medvedev also admitted that last summer, which was his first career victory for him at the Masters tournament in Cincinnati, was the best in his life, and crowned his exit to the US Open final.
“I will definitely remember this day. I’m sure that Rafa remembers his first final, despite 19 Grand Slam titles, although he won his own, but I lost. It was a great match. Awesome story. All this summer has turned out to be absolutely incredible, and I will remember every moment of it. I never forget the important moments associated with tennis, and I will remember this even at the age of 70, ”the official website of the tournament quotes the Russian.
In addition, he noted that he had to change tactics during the meeting, choosing a scheme that would break the Spaniard’s resistance.
“The first two sets I was close, but Rafa played just great. It seemed to me that no matter what I did, he had an answer to everything, so I continued to look for new options. He approached the grid, performed shortened and cut strikes - I tried everything, ”Medvedev added.