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via Reuters

via Reuters

Many young players look up to their sporting icons and try to emulate them. With his incredible run at this year’s Australian Open, Daniil Medvedev has just surpassed the three biggest names in men’s tennis, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic in this particular stat. 

 

The 2nd seed took just 2 hours and 30 minutes to dislodge Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semis and make his way to the final. His progress in the tournament meant he became only the second man in Open-Era tennis to win his first major and then reach the final of the next Grand Slam.

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The Russian won his 1st Grand Slam in 2021, the US Open, and is now in the 2022 Australian Open final. He’s second only to Andy Murray, who also managed to win the 2012 US Open and went on to reach the 2013 Australian Open final. Then 3rd seed Andy Murray fell to Novak Djokovic in a 4-set final match.

Medvedev could create a new record if he manages to win the successive final, just after winning his 1st Grand Slam.

 

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic after winning 1st Grand Slam

 

Roger Federer won his 1st Grand Slam in 2003, the Wimbledon Championships. Next up was the 2003 US Open, but he lost in the 4th round. Similarly, Rafael Nadal couldn’t make it to the 2005 Wimbledon final after winning the 2005 French Open. He was defeated in the 2nd round match.

Also Read: ‘Not the Most Mature Person’: Stefanos Tsitsipas Takes a Dig at Daniil Medvedev After Australian Open 2022 Drama

Novak Djokovic had a much closer shot, as he won 2008 Australian Open and reached the semis of the French Open in the same year. But Rafael Nadal ended his dream run in 3 sets and eventually won the Championship.

 

Daniil Medvedev has a chance to write history

 

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The 3 greats couldn’t go as far as the next Slam’s final after their debut major win, but Medvedev has a slight advantage; he will be playing on the hardcourt again. He is currently in great form, winning matches from difficult situations with exceptional tennis.

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 Medvedev has won 13 Grand Slam matches in a row now and lost only 5 sets in the tournament so far. He will face Rafael Nadal in the final, with both of them looking to make history. 

Watch Story: From Nick Kyrgios Drinking Beer to Seagull Stopping a Match: Most Hilarious Moments at the Australian Open 2022