Outside the final: how Rublev lost to Tsitsipas, and Medvedev withdrew before the decisive set at the tournament in Astana

Tactics of Tsitsipas

Two Russians made it to the semi-finals of the ATP 500 tournament in Astana at once - Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev.

And the fans, for sure, expected to see at least one of them in the decisive match.

Alas, despite the good performance, domestic tennis players could not cope with their rivals.

Rublev was the first to enter the court, just like the day before.

He had to fight Stefanos Tsitsipas.

This face-to-face meeting was the tenth for the players, and so far the Greek has won more often.

Rublev immediately upped the pace in the match and managed to make a break in the very first game.

All Stefanos' attempts to recoup ended in nothing, and the Russian brought the game to victory - 6:4.

In the second set, tennis players also confidently acted on their serves.

It seemed that a tie-break could not be avoided, however, in the end, Tsitsipas seemed to find weaknesses in Andrey's game and took advantage of them.

The Russian unexpectedly gave up the game, making several mistakes in a row: at first he didn’t hit the length, then he broke the transfer of the ball from the right to the line.

One break was enough for the Greek to turn the case into a decisive set.

The third game began in the same vein, and even with a slight advantage of the Russians.

In the fifth game, he earned a double break point, and in the seventh he had a two-ball lead on Tsitsipas' serve.

However, after that, a decline followed again, which the opponent took advantage of - 6:3.

After the match, the Greek explained how he managed to beat Rublev.

According to Stefanos, he tried to constantly vary the blows, and towards the end of the meeting everything went according to his plan.

“There were a few things that needed to be worked on... Having to deal with a very good opponent on the other side of the grid made this an extremely physically demanding fight.

I am pleased with myself,” said the tennis player.

At the same time, experts highly appreciated Rublev's performance.

And according to Andrey Olkhovsky, two-time Grand Slam champion in mixed doubles, his own unforced mistakes prevented him from winning.

Their number was one of the decisive factors of the match. 

“Andrey looked good in the game.

If you remove the mistakes, then you can claim a very high result, ”Olkhovsky quotes the words“ Championship ”.

Medvedev injury

With no less interest, the fans were waiting for the confrontation between the ex-first rackets of the world, Daniil Medvedev and Novak Djokovic.

They have already held the 11th personal meeting, and before that, the advantage was on the side of the Serb (6:4).

Moreover, the Russian inflicted one of the most unpleasant defeats on his opponent last year, not allowing him to win the season Grand Slam.

However, this does not affect the relationship of tennis players who communicate well with each other off the court.

Medvedev complained about being in poor physical shape at the start of the tournament, but he seemed to improve as the competition progressed.

In the quarter-finals with Roberto Bautista-Agut, who was uncomfortable for himself, he gave up only two games.

The Russian started the meeting with Novak just as confidently.

He managed to take the opponent's serve to zero and take the lead 3-2.

Djokovic immediately corrected his mistake, but the stubborn Daniel was able to break again and win the game with a score of 6:4.

In the second set, the same stubborn struggle turned out.

The rivals acted incredibly collected and did not give each other a chance to catch on to someone else's serve.

As a result, it came to a tie-break, during which Medvedev was injured out of the blue and decided not to continue the meeting.

“When the score was 1:0, I felt a click in my left leg when I hit from the left in an open stance.

I thought maybe a cramp, because the match is hard.

After the point I realized it was not a cramp.

I immediately felt that I had pulled a muscle.

My head was spinning, I didn't know what to do.

I understood that even if I win today, I won’t go to the final.

Therefore, it would be strange, because I began to think, how then in general: should I immediately withdraw, lose?

I knew that I could take another five or ten points.

And then shortened, did something.

Accordingly, if he played the third set, he could completely tear his muscles.

It doesn't make any sense.

It's a shame, annoying, ”the Russian admitted at a press conference.

At the same time, it is still unknown how serious Daniel's injury is.

The athlete is going to conduct the examination in Monaco.

“I don’t show yet.

I think there is a stretch or tear.

But not like when they fall for three months.

There is definitely a stretch there, because walking and stepping is hard.

I will return to Monaco, take a picture and deal with my team - they know better.

We will consult with a doctor who works with the Monaco football club.

There are more injuries.

He will know more depending on the stretch, how much and what it is, ”added the tennis player.

Upset because of injury Medvedev and Djokovic.

According to the Serb, the Russian looked better on the court throughout the meeting.

“It was an insanely intense match, especially in the second set.

I fought and tried to find a way to win.

Found him in the second set.

I am sad for the tournament and for these people who enjoyed the battle, and for Daniil, who was forced to end this match like this, ”Novak said.

It remains to be hoped that Medvedev's injury is not very serious and he will be able to perform at the ATP Final Tournament, which will be held from November 13 to 20.