We waited at the Australian Open Russian finals, which was to meet Andrey Rublev and Daniil Medvedev. In the end, do not wait at this stage anyone. Rublev lost to Alexander Zverev. Medvedev To Stanislas Wawrinka.
BIG STAN
Not often it happens that lost – and not get frustrated. But now such a case. Of course, I’m sorry I lost Stan. Of course, I would prefer that he acted so cool in another match in another tournament. But still, I played well. There is no such to strongly for something to blame that is not used a lot of times… Yeah, that could work better, but it’s the details. Importantly, we have to admit Stan was very strong. And I did everything I could. All that was ready. Just this is not enough.
Daniil Medvedev really worthy took the defeat. And, by and large, he is right about everything. Of course, the Russians were the favorite. First- as the fourth racket of a planet and the finalist of the previous “Grand slam”. Secondly, because twice already Wawrinka beat. Including at the US Open in 2019. In addition, it was noticeable that Daniel is in good shape. He confidently walked through here three circles. Given only the set – Francis Tiafoe in the first round. And in General, acted confidently and securely. Stan is still trying to get back to the level that was before the knee surgeries in 2017. And it turns out with variable success. Let’s face it – not very good. Yes, Wawrinka is already in the top 20. But Stan, who recently beat the representatives of the “big 3” three times and took the “Big helmets”, we never saw.
Or rather – not seen to this day.
Medvedev really were brilliant. Played like maybe securely held the ball, slaughter filed, punched through from prepared situations… very, Very rarely wrong. Kept calm, without much emotion (which he often interfere). And all this gave the result – second and third party the Russian has won “with a margin” (6:2, 6:4). But in the first, fourth and especially the fifth was stronger Stan. And no, not because Daniel was suddenly slowed down, lost its rhythm, the bullet in strikeouts… His overall level didn’t fall from the word “quite”. Just did Wawrinka was included in full. And got everything! Of the most unreal positions! The plant and themselves, and bleachers, pulled out the elegant balls, and then repeated it again. And again. And again…
This Stanislas just can’t beat. Neither Medvedev. No Nadal. Neither Djokovic. Yes, even if all three put together – not the fact that can handle him! And if you did everything you could, and nothing to reproach, but simply the opponent was awesome, the meaning of sackcloth and ashes? It’s a shame – Yes. Tragedy – no.
– I think that is so cool I have not played since the operation, admitted Wawrinka. – It’s definitely my best match since returning to Tour. I knew Daniel would be very difficult. It is difficult to beat. It is difficult to make a move and be wrong. But I had a clear game plan, plus I knew that act as a “dark horse”. And, in General, I have nothing to lose. However, I don’t care who’s on the other side of the grid. I go out only to win. I felt before the tournament that gained its shape. That came out to the top level. I did a lot of tennis, physics. And happy with the fight. What decisions to make. How to behave at key points. Daniel is a very strong opponent, and in order to win, you have to show tennis of the highest level. Today I did it. So, as not worked for a long time.
– Stan is simply “killed” me in the fifth set, – said Medvedev. – He wasn’t wrong, he scored almost everything. Perhaps the key was the fourth party that I gave at the tie-break. In a fifth chance to win, he never gave me. But we will draw our conclusions. Now get some rest. And we will prepare for new tournaments. Ahead according to plan – Marseille and Rotterdam.
TWO FRIENDS, THREE SETS
It’s a pleasure to win so many matches in a row. But in every tournament there is only one champion, all the others lose. We have a sport that defeat is inevitable. And I get it. Moreover, there will be many. So I’m not stuck on his series of victories. But simply moving from match to match, – says Andrei Rublev yesterday.
The Russian began the year with 11 straight wins. Picked up titles in Doha and Adelaide (was the first who successfully launched in the season since Dominik Hrbaty in 2004!). Passed three laps in Melbourne. Given last year’s Davis Cup series, Andrew stretched as much as 15 meetings! And we’d hope it will continue. Despite the fact that in the fourth round Rublev was waiting for a rendezvous with Alexander Zverev.
Thereby, which is the seventh racket of the world. And who so poorly played ATP Cup that lost all three games, Stefanos of Zizipus took only five games from Denis Shapovalov – and at four, but “scored” 31 double fault seven sets! His nervous breakdown and angry tirade against the father and coach, Alexander Zverev Sr., which consisted entirely of strong Russian swear words, has become one of the most striking episodes Jan (Sasha just swore on his serve in one of the breaks of the match). Of course, not the coloring of the players… But on arrival in Melbourne the guy was transformed. Three rounds passed, not losing any of the party (only the second time in his career on the “Big hats”!), double completely forgotten how to do (allowed just 7 in all these meetings). And, in General, quickly turned into someone that needs. Namely, one of the favorites.
Given that Rublev informed all three times Zverev lost, for Andrew was anxious. And the fact that guys are friends (“We know each other since 10 years and all the time communicate well. I can say we dreamt together that we will play at a later stage on the “Grand slam,” said Rublev himself), on what does not influence. On the court there are no friends. Only rivals.
Alas, your status Zverev confirmed. And Andrew confirmed that tired. And the tough schedule the start of the season still made itself felt. The fight only lasted three parties. And ended with the same score in all – 6:4.
After the last points you guys hugged. And a few minutes standing at the net, while Alexander told the Russians something in his ear. Only after that went to the benches. Like it or not, and these moments – they also stick in the memory. As soon as the match ended, you were once again friends.
– I just said it – well done. Reminded how far we’ve come. And promised that he will meet many more times, in more important matches, – said Alexander. Rublev is a great tennis player. He’ll definitely break into the top 10. And I’m sure it will be a great future.
We are confident too. But this tournament for the Russians all over. At least in the men’s singles. The girls still remained Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
