Novak Djokovic said he knew Daniil Medvedev would be determined not to end his ATP Finals campaign winless and praised the «incredible» Russian after his thrilling game in Turin. On Friday, Djokovic overcame Medvedev 6-3 6-7(5) 7-6(2) to finish the group stage with a perfect 3-0 record.
Medvedev, who was left with no chance of qualifying for the semifinal after losing his first two group matches, recorded his first break of the match in the ninth game of the third set to take a 5-4 lead. Just when it looked like Medvedev would win the match, Djokovic responded impressively with a break in the tenth game and managed to send the match to a decider.
In the third set tie-break, it was Djokovic who prevailed when the Serb broke away with a three-pointer in a thriller that lasted three hours and 11 minutes.
Djokovic: Medvedev is an amazing player, I respect him a lot
«Daniil and I have had some battles in the past and I knew going into today’s game it would be his last game of the season and he didn’t want to end it in defeat.
I started very well. [I] had opportunities in the second [set]He had a few break points but played very well on those decisive points. He was playing very fast. I didn’t like myself physically in the third set, I struggled a lot.
It’s a battle and it’s a fight. Being able to find the last bit of energy to get back into the game. At 4-5 I was able to read his serve and anticipate well and put myself in a good position. I started very well in the tie-break.
Three tough games for him, losing 7-6 in the third of the three games. It’s not easy, but he’s an incredible player. I have a lot of respect for him and what a great battle,» Djokovic said, according to the ATP Finals website.
Now, Djokovic is set to play Taylor Fritz in the semifinal. Djokovic is two wins away from winning his sixth ATP Finals title.
