Daniil Medvedev Says Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer Inspired Him To Persevere Against Match Points

Daniil Medvedev managed a wonderful feat in this year’s Australian Open quarter-final. So far in the tournament, no one had been able to win a match after being two sets down. However, Daniil won a gruelling five-setter against Felix Auger-Aliassime, who seemed to be in sublime form.

Daniil Medvedev tried to learn from Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic

It was after Auger-Aliassime had taken the first two sets that Medvedev seemed to find his rhythm. He then started to play cleaner shots, take risks, even come up to the net sometimes. This change in pace and tactics helped turn the match around. Auger Aliassime also played some inspired tennis, serving excellently and hitting balls with precision. It was in the final set that his form faltered a bit, and he could not deal with Medvedev’s relentless pushing.

During the on-court interview, Medvedev said that after the first two sets, he thought about what the World No. 1 Novak Djokovic would do in his situation. Later, in his post-match press conference, he explained he was just taking inspiration from the Big Three. He clarified he mentioned Djokovic’s name first because he has had the most opportunities playing with and against Djokovic, compared to Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Also read: ‘Best Sport in the World’: Kim Clijsters and Others React to Daniil Medvedev vs Felix Auger-Aliassime Australian Open Thriller

Medvedev thinks he needs to be at his best to compete against Tsitsipas

Medvedev’s quarterfinal match lasted 4 hours 43 minutes. When asked about that, he said that he hasn’t had a lot of experience with playing such high stakes matches, which were so physically draining in nature. He knew that the ‘Big Three’- Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic could do it time and again, but mentioned that he was yet to learn how to manage this.

He also said that he would have to bring his best self on the court, in his next match against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas. Tsitsipas won his own quarterfinal match against Jannik Sinner comfortably. He did so with clinical precision, in straight sets, in what was possibly his best match in the tournament yet.

Which of the two next-gen stars will qualify for the final?

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