via Getty
MASON, OHIO – AUGUST 17: Daniil Medvedev of Russia (L) shakes hands with Novak Djokovic of Serbia after defeating him in three sets during Day 8 of the Western and Southern Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center on in Mason, Ohio. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
via Getty
MASON, OHIO – AUGUST 17: Daniil Medvedev of Russia (L) shakes hands with Novak Djokovic of Serbia after defeating him in three sets during Day 8 of the Western and Southern Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center on in Mason, Ohio. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
After a resounding victory against Diego Schwartzman at the ATP World Tour Finals, Novak Djokovic will lock horns against the Russian, Daniil Medvedev. Djokovic is eyeing to equal Roger Federer’s record of winning six titles at the ATP Nitto Finals. Having an unbelievable 40-3 win-loss this season, Djokovic has already secured the year-end No. 1 ranking for a record sixth time.
On the other side, Medvedev defeated arch-rival Alexander Zverev in his first group stage match. This comes on the backdrop of Medvedev lifting the Rolex Paris Masters, where he won a thrilling final against Zverev. The World No. 4 is riding on a six-match winning streak and is likely to secure a semifinal berth if he outlasts Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic vs Daniil Medvedev head-to-head
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The duo has faced off six times against each other, with Djokovic having a 4-2 edge in the rivalry. They last played in the semifinals of the 2020 ATP Cup, where Djokovic won in a tough three-set battle.
via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Finals – The O2, London, Britain – Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during his group stage match against Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Medvedev got the better of Djokovic twice last year at the Cincinnati and Monte Carlo Masters. This notwithstanding, the Serbian has a 3-1 advantage in the duo’s hard-court encounters.
Djokovic vs Medvedev prediction
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Despite conceding an early break in his first match, Djokovic won five successive games to power his way to the opening set. The World No. 1 played incredibly well from the baseline and dominated the rallies through exquisite groundstrokes. Nonetheless, the 17-time Grand Slam champion needs to get a high percentage of first serves inside to avoid trouble.
via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Finals – The O2, London, Britain – Russia’s Daniil Medvedev reacts during his group stage match against Germany’s Alexander Zverev REUTERS/Toby Melville
Medvedev himself has been playing rock-solid from behind and has defended equally well. But the 2019 US Open runner-up will have to improve his second serve points winning percentage considering Djokovic is the best returner in the game.
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The Serbian will have to hit deep into the court to offset Medvedev’s court position. The showdown is expected to be a close contest, but Djokovic has an upper hand over the 24-year-old.
Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in three sets.
