Daniil Medvedev extends his winning streak to nine matches as he defeats Rafael Nadal in a thrilling three-setter 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-3 in the semifinals of ATP Finals 2020.
With this victory, he claimed his first victory over Nadal in four matches. He also reaches his maiden finals at ATP Finals 2020.
Both players were evenly matched in the opening set until Nadal sealed the first break In the eighth game of the match. The Spaniard made no mistakes whatsoever while serving for the set at 5-3 and took the first set after 47 minutes.
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Medvedev bounced back strongly in the second set as he busted out a 3-0 lead, breaking Rada’s serve for the first time in the match. The Russian failed to strengthen his position in the second set as he missed to convert a breakpoint before Nadal held a nervy service game at 2-4.
A fired-up Rafael Nadal then fought back into the set after he got the break back with a stunning forehand passing winner at 3-4. The 34-year-old got the double break and a chance to serve for the match at 5-4.
However, Medvedev was not going away without fighting. The next-gen star responded well as he broke back at love to equalize the set at 5-5. Both the players held their serve strongly to take the set to the tiebreaker. Medvedev clinched the tiebreaker 7-4 to seal the second set.
In the final set, once again the two players couldn’t be separated until the 7th game when Medvedev broke Nadal to get the breakthrough. He then broke Nadal again to clinch the set 6-3 and win the match.
Medvedev and Dominic Thiem will meet in the finals on Sunday to fight for their maiden ATP Finals trophy.