“Won’t Be Surprised if He Breaks Through”: Rod Laver Backs Daniil Medvedev Ahead of Novak Djokovic Clash

We are heading towards the most exciting hours of tennis in 2021 so far. Today, Russia’s Daniil Medvedev will take on eight-time champion Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final. And for this contest, Rod Laver has great expectations.

Earlier, Japanese star Naomi Osaka picked up her fourth Grand Slam title at the Rod Laver Arena. Now, it’s time for the gentlemen to prove their worth for the title.

Undoubtedly, both of them have the ammunition to be the winner. But as every Major final goes, this one too will have its own unique demands, and they will have to rise against the challenge.

Concerning the man after whom the stadium is named, it will be a toe-to-toe encounter. However, Rod Laver claims that Novak will have to work hard to keep the Russian at bay.

Read More: Novak Djokovic vs Daniil Medvedev Australian Open 2021 Finals: What’s at Stake For the Two

Rod Laver expects Medvedev to push Djokovic all the way

The three-time Australian Open champion is looking forward to watching the men’s singles’ final match. In addition to that, Rod Laver can foresee Daniil Medvedev giving a hard time to the 17-time Grand Slam champion.

As many have suggested, the Russian is the toughest opponent against Novak Djokovic, and it will indeed be a great contest to watch. Considering the Serbian has won every time he’s played the final in Melbourne Park, the battle gets even more interesting.

“I expect Medvedev to push Djokovic all the way in the #AusOpen men’s final. I won’t be surprised if he breaks through for the win. It’s Novak’s happy place at RLA but he will have his work cut out suppressing Daniil’s happy, free-flowing strokes. This will be a great contest,” Rod Laver tweeted.

Certainly, the 25-year-old Russian is the man of the hour with his exquisite and unconventional playing style. But he will need something special tonight to break through the Serbian’s great defense.

Read More: What Daniil Medvedev Needs to Do in Order to Beat Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open 2021 Final?

Will Daniil Medvedev cause Novak Djokovic a nightmare?

On the other side, the 33-year-old Serbian has overcome an injury he sustained in the first week of the event. However, he has managed to get back to good health at the Australian Open, which is very special to the World No. 1. Most importantly, he will not want to miss out on the opportunity to win his 18th Grand Slam title and close in on Roger Federer and Rfafal Nadal.

Therefore, the Djokovic force in a Melbourne Park final is something that the Russian is unfamiliar with. But Medvedev’s form and talent cannot be underestimated.

To sum up, both of them are incredibly clutch players, and hence it will be exciting to see who breaks first. As Rod Laver rightfully said, “This will be a great contest.”

What are your expectations from Medvedev and Djokovic in this final?

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