Medvedev Stops Djokovic, to Meet Rublev in Doha Finals

Daniil Medvedev managed to defeat Novak Djokovic and stop the Serb’s winning streak that lasted for 15 games. The Russian advanced to the finals of the Dubai tournament, where he will meet his compatriot, Andrey Rublev.

Medvedev defeated Novak 6-4, 6-4, after 94 minutes, using his mistakes and decreasing the deficit in head-to-head events, where Djokovic now leads 9-5. Also, Medvedev broke Novak’s four-win stretch in direct encounters.

The former US Open champion from Russia came to Dubai after two titles, in Rotterdam and Doha. He currently has 13 victories, which is his one of the best periods in his career.

Daniil Medvedev is the first player to beat Novak Djokovic since November (20 matches winning streak), winning himself a 13th consecutive match to reach in Dubai a 3rd final in three weeks.

6-4, 6-4. pic.twitter.com/xXUQFUr2IW

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) March 3, 2023

“I knew I had to play my best tennis. I hoped that he wouldn’t play as he usually does, and that it might bring me the title…. I am glad I’ve kept the form,” said Medvedev.

Both players opened the match well, keeping their serves in the first four games, but later on, Medvedev broke Novak’s serve twice, reaching a 5-2 advantage. The No.1 didn’t want to surrender, and he hit back, taking back one break, yet not having the juice to flip the result.

The Russian opened the second set confidently, immediately making a breakpoint and getting away to 2-0. He would keep that distance until the very end, even though Djokovic constantly pressured his serve, creating lots of problems. In the end, it turned out that his quick start of the set made the difference, bringing him triumph.

Novak was slightly disappointed due to the loss, but overall, he seemed satisfied with his first appearance following the Australian Open. Djokovic earned some points, tested his form, and managed to stay in the competitive rhythm.

“There is plenty of positive stuff. First of all, I am happy how I felt all week long. The current condition of my body makes me happy because I didn’t know what the reaction would be following a pause due to an injury,” said Nole.

The impression of Novak’s game was that he showed a lot of impatience, which cost him a lot in the end, as he created 35 unforced errors. But that could be understood due to his desire to play after a few weeks.

Djokovic is still waiting for the news from the USA, because he waits for approval to enter the states without a vaccine. The decision made there will have a massive impact on his plans. Though, the Joker has options for both the positive and the negative response. Just to remind, Indian Wells and Miami Open await the players shortly.

As for Medvedev, he is waiting for the finals. There is a nice chance to take three in a row, but Rublev seems quite good in Dubai.

His last victim was Alexander Zverev, whom he defeated in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (9). Rublev even saved one set point in the second sequence and surely comes to the finals with a massive swing.

For those who forgot, Rublev won the title here last year and wants to defend it. The only two guys who did that in the past are Federer and Djokovic. He lost in the Doha quarterfinals the previous week, which was a big blow for him, but in the meantime, the No.6 in the ATP rankings got back on the right path and now has a chance to add another trophy to his collection. And also boost morale before the remainder of the year.