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Thought I create this thread super early. Might as well start the discussion early as this final should be an epic with huge ramifications. It really is the promoters dream final(well for me and most tennis nuts anyway)
If Novak wins, it is number #18 and one closer to the other 2 while keeping the next-gen down in its place. If Medvedev wins, fortress big 3 just lost a huge pillar of stability. Both parties know it could be a generational match, a turning point for this generation v the big 3. And both parties know Medvedev is a real chance.
7:30PM
Rod Laver Arena
Novak Djokovic (1) (SBR)
v
Danill Medvedev (5) (RUS)
Head to Head
4-3 to Djokovic
Last Meeting
Masters Cup (London)
Medvedev 6-3, 6-3
How they got here
So, for people who don't know Medvedev, think of a joyful Russian chess troll. During the US Open 2019(which he made the final and lost in 5 sets), with the New York crowd at his back, he would thank them and rile them up even further. But it was like a good-natured troll rather than abuse. The fact that in his post-match interview, he had the audacity to claim that it was Novak with all the pressure in this slam final, not him is another showcase of this. He has been likened to a chess player on the court. Wearing down his opponents, exporting the weaknesses and not giving anything away. His backhand is one of the best on tour. Sounds exactly like someone who he is playing tonight.
Honestly, read Pepsis full post above about Medvedev(and Novak's) recent record. Can't put it better. Basically, it is 20 straight wins, most over top 10 players, good head to head record. One thing I will add is that they have played at the Aus Open before. In 2019, when Novak was top of his game, Medvedev tested him and even took a set off him. Medvedev has referred to that game in the past and that it gave him great confidence in his game. A real turning point in his career.
Novak Novak. Be real interesting to see how the crowd will react to him and how he will react back.
On any other court or situation, Medvedev would be fav and a warm fav. But we know Novak's record here and in finals (8-0). Still, records are there to be broken and, for me, Novak is there for the taking. Medvedev in 5
If Novak wins, it is number #18 and one closer to the other 2 while keeping the next-gen down in its place. If Medvedev wins, fortress big 3 just lost a huge pillar of stability. Both parties know it could be a generational match, a turning point for this generation v the big 3. And both parties know Medvedev is a real chance.
7:30PM
Rod Laver Arena
Novak Djokovic (1) (SBR)
v
Danill Medvedev (5) (RUS)
Head to Head
4-3 to Djokovic
Last Meeting
Masters Cup (London)
Medvedev 6-3, 6-3
How they got here
Djokovic
Rd 1 def Chardy 6-3 6-1 6-2
Rd 1 def Tiafoe 6-3 6-7 7-6 6-3
Rd 3 def Fritz 7-6 6-4 3-6 4-6 6-2
Rd 4 def Raonic 7-6 4-6 6-1 6-4
1/4 def Zverev 6-7 6-2 6-4 7-6
1/2 def Karatsev 6-3 6-4 6-2
Medvedev
Rd 1 def Pospisil 6-2 6-2 6-4
Rd 2 def Carbelles Baena 6-2 7-5 6-1
Rd 3 def Krajinovic 6-3 6-3 4-6 3-6 6-0
Rd 4 def Mcdonald 6-4 6-2 6-3
1/4 def Rublev 7-5 6-3 6-2
1/2 def Tsistsipas 6-4 6-2 7-5
So, for people who don't know Medvedev, think of a joyful Russian chess troll. During the US Open 2019(which he made the final and lost in 5 sets), with the New York crowd at his back, he would thank them and rile them up even further. But it was like a good-natured troll rather than abuse. The fact that in his post-match interview, he had the audacity to claim that it was Novak with all the pressure in this slam final, not him is another showcase of this. He has been likened to a chess player on the court. Wearing down his opponents, exporting the weaknesses and not giving anything away. His backhand is one of the best on tour. Sounds exactly like someone who he is playing tonight.
Honestly, read Pepsis full post above about Medvedev(and Novak's) recent record. Can't put it better. Basically, it is 20 straight wins, most over top 10 players, good head to head record. One thing I will add is that they have played at the Aus Open before. In 2019, when Novak was top of his game, Medvedev tested him and even took a set off him. Medvedev has referred to that game in the past and that it gave him great confidence in his game. A real turning point in his career.
Novak Novak. Be real interesting to see how the crowd will react to him and how he will react back.
On any other court or situation, Medvedev would be fav and a warm fav. But we know Novak's record here and in finals (8-0). Still, records are there to be broken and, for me, Novak is there for the taking. Medvedev in 5
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