“Stay Focused”: Daniil Medvedev Reflects on His Convincing Win in the ATP Finals 2021

In the semifinal of the ATP Finals 2021, Russian powerhouse Daniil Medvedev took on a first-time semifinalist in this competition, Casper Ruud. As the match progressed, it seemed pretty one-sided in favor of the favorite. The result confirmed Daniil’s dominance as he won, 6-4, 6-2. 

In the beginning of the match, both players held their opening service games. Daniil Medvedev took his opportunity in the third game of the set and broke Ruud’s serve. After that, things were comfortable for the Russian player who managed to hold serve until the end.

Daniil Medvedev too strong for the Norwegian star

In the end, it took Medvedev 42 minutes to seal the opening set in his favor, 6-4. With the first set in the bag for the World No. 2 player, he had one foot in the final. 

As the second set began, Casper and Daniil were holding their services with great efficiency. Eventually, in the fifth game of the set, Daniil stretched Ruud to the limits. He got the first break of the set and consolidated the break by holding serve. 

Later, in the following game, the Russian star showed no remorse and ended up breaking Ruud for the second time in consecutive service games. Soon, he served it out and won the set 6-2 in just 38 minutes. 

After the match, Medvedev stated, “As soon as you are set and break up you feel like you are in control, but that is when the danger is. You need to stay focused and fight for every point. In the last game, I had 0/30 on my serve, and until the last point, it is never over. So I am happy I was able to finish it.”

All focus on the final for Medvedev

Medvedev reflected on his matches during the week, and he was happy with the results he managed to produce. Last year’s ATP Finals champion is currently on a nine-match winning streak in the competition. 

The 25-year-old added, “I think all the matches were a great level. Different opponents and different styles. I managed to win all the matches. It was not an easy match [today]. When you are in the final you can’t complain, so I am just looking forward to tomorrow and hopefully, I can have my best match.”

He now awaits the winner of the match between Djokovic and Zverev. It will be interesting to see who ends up winning the competition. Whichever player ends up meeting Medvedev in the final, it’s bound to be a thrilling contest. 

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