Daniil Medvedev Passes Dominic Thiem for New Career-High Ranking of No. 3 After Victory at Australian Open 2021

Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev took on his fellow compatriot Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinal of the Australian Open 2021. It was their fourth meeting so far, and Medvedev showed no remorse in beating Rublev for the fifth time in his career. The match ended after slightly over two hours in straight sets, 7-5 6-3 6-2. 

After winning his match today, Daniil achieved another milestone in his career as he became the new World No. 3, surpassing Austria’s Dominic Thiem. If he wins the title in Melbourne, he will become the world’s second-best player. 

Daniil Medvedev Breaks Andrey Rublev in the Sixth Game of the First Set

In the first set of the match, both Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev served effectively. At the sixth game, Daniil raised his level and applied pressure on his opponent’s serve, breaking him for the first time in the match. However, Andrey broke right back in the next game. At 5-6, Rublev hit a forehand unforced error, handing Medvedev the first set, 7-5.

Similar to the previous set, Daniil began serving and held his opening service game. In the eighth game of the set, Medvedev displayed high octane tennis, breaking his opponent without much difficulty. He consolidated the break, holding his serve and eventually sealing the set 6-3 in his favor. During the set, Rublev hit 14 unforced errors, which proved costly. 

Andrey opened the third set and got broken immediately. Medvedev was in cruise control and was approaching the finishing line without any obstacles. Twenty-four minutes into the set and Daniil raced to a 4-0 lead. In the final moments, Medvedev held his composure and won the set on his serve, 6-2. 

During the final set of the match, Daniil hit 11 winners past his opponent. He managed to win 92% of his first-serve points, whereas Rublev won 57% of his first-serve points. 

Medvedev will take on the winner of the match between Rafael Nadal and Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semifinal of the Australian Open 2021. 

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