Medvedev Rallies To Stun Djokovic, Reach Cincinnati Final

Daniil Medvedev battled back from the brink of defeat on Saturday to reach his first final at the Western & Southern Open.

Medvedev trailed top seed Novak Djokovic by 6-3, 3-2 30/40, but the Russian would deny the critical break point and mounted a furious comeback to advance in Cincinnati. He triumphed 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 in one hour and 43 minutes. It marked the first time Djokovic had lost a semi-final at the ATP Masters 1000 level when winning the first set since 2013 (to Del Potro in Indian Wells).

The World No. 8 reversed course in stunning fashion in the second and third sets, varying his pace and angles on serve and refusing to allow Djokovic to establish any rhythm. He left the Serbian in search of answers, often effectively rushing his serve with great success. His 16 aces are the most that Djokovic has allowed in a three-set match this year.

Medvedev advanced to his third straight tour-level final following championship appearances at the Citi Open in Washington (l. to Kyrgios) and the Rogers Cup in Montreal (l. to Nadal). He is the first to do so in consecutive weeks since Alexander Zverev last year in Munich, Madrid and Rome.

The Russian is in strong position to punch his ticket to the Nitto ATP Finals in London, added a tour-leading 43rd match win this year. He also owns 30 victories on hard courts - 10 more than second-placed Roberto Bautista Agut and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/2YV0wGR