The ATP Cup 2021 has given us many exciting matches at the start of the season. Topping that list is World No.7 Alexander Zverev battling World No.4 Daniil Medvedev in a semifinals match. And after challenging each other on every tennis aspect, Team Russia won the match.
Before their match, 23-year-old Russian star Andrey Rublev had given Team Russia the lead, having defeated Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in three sets.
Similar to Rublev, Daniil Medvedev got off a rough start in the match. With his very first service game broken and four double faults, the 24-year-old Russian trailed his opponent throughout the first set.
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Alexander Zverev dominates set one vs Daniil Medvedev
Undoubtedly, Team Germany came in the game with the confidence that comes with defeating the defending champions, Team Serbia.
Keeping his cool, the US Open finalist delivered a great set of forehands. With 11 winners and fewer double faults than his competitor, Zverev booked the first set in 39 minutes.
The score stood 6-3 in favor of Team Germany.
This match is heating up 🔥#ATPCup | #GERRUS | @AlexZverev pic.twitter.com/Y1xc3Tvy8p
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) February 6, 2021
From here on, the current ATP Finals winner, Daniil Medvedev, needed to up his game. Moreover, Daniil had to find a way to shake Zverev off of his control.
Set two between Zverev and Medvedev goes to Team Russia
Both the players got themselves two games each to start the second set. In doing so, they enjoyed more stability and poise, and they were ready to take the match deep.
But while the 23-year-old German exhibited excellence with his swift movement, Daniil’s struggle with serve continued even in the second set.
With his 12-match winning streak at stake, the Russian professional gifted Zverev a lead in the set. However, he recovered from it in the next game.
No matter what screen you're watching on…
This lob by @DaniilMedwed is picture perfect 👌 #ATPCup pic.twitter.com/I7Cx2kOxjd
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 6, 2021
In the end, Team Russia found a way in the match, leveling the match at 6-3, 3-6 in a minute over an hour.
Daniil won the final set
All their hard work at the ATP Cup came down to the decider set. Hats off to the German’s best player, who kept fighting despite a stiff back.
B R A V O 👏#ATPCup | #GERRUS | @AlexZverev pic.twitter.com/lY5kfK461w
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) February 6, 2021
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Zverev and Medvedev gave nothing away as they stood 5-5 in the third set. It looked like the match would go in the tie-breaker, where the Russian would have had a slight advantage.
However, Sascha’s turmoil against serve cost him dearly yet again as Daniil broke him and aced for the final spot in the third set. In return, the German broke his tennis racket.
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The final score was 6-3, 3-6, 5-7. That means Team Russia will play either Team Spain or Team Italy in the ATP Cup final. Who will win the title?