Carlos Alcaraz ready for ‘endless rallies’ against Daniil Medvedev in the China Open semifinals
Carlos Alcaraz has met Daniil Medvedev twice in 2024, and has got the better of the Russian on both occasions.
Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz (Via Imago)
Carlos Alcaraz looks set to renew his rivalry with Daniil Medvedev at the China Open semifinals. The Spaniard beat Karen Khachanov 7-5, 6-2 in the quarterfinals, while Medvedev defeated Flavio Cobolli 6-2, 6-4.
Alcaraz and Medvedev are no strangers to each other, with their first face-off taking place in 2021. In their eighth overall encounter at the China Open, Alcaraz expects a lot of rallies.
It’s always tough to play Medvedev. I’ve played great matches against him throughout this season and the last two years. I’m ready to take on this challenge, play my best tennis, and move forward. Against Daniil, every match means endless rallies. It’s always like that when we play each other, but I’m ready to take on the challenge.
Carlos Alcaraz said in the post-match press conference
Alcaraz leads Medvedev 5-2 in their head-to-head matchups. The duo has played each other twice in 2024, with the Spaniard winning on both occasions. The first match this season took place in the Indian Wells final, where Alcaraz won 7-6, 6-1.
The second match occurred in the Wimbledon semifinals, where the 21-year-old beat the Russian in four sets en route to winning his second consecutive Wimbledon title. Alcaraz has won five of their last six meetings, with Medvedev’s only win coming in the 2023 US Open semifinals.
Carlos Alcaraz’s resurgence continues at the China Open
World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz looks to be back in his groove after a disastrous autumn in the United States. The Spaniard experienced a slump in form after losing the Olympic singles gold medal match to Novak Djokovic.
That tragic loss created a negative charge for Alcaraz, as he lost in the opening round to Gael Monfils at Cincinnati. He carried that negative energy to the US Open, where he lost in the second round to Botic van de Zandschulp.
However, the match wins at the Davis Cup, followed by victories at the Laver Cup, appear to have created good vibes again for the former World No. 1. Alcaraz has carried his winning momentum from Berlin to China, as he has reached the China Open semifinals without losing a set.
The Spaniard beat Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a controversial match, where he had an angry argument with the chair umpire. However, it did nothing to affect his form, as he followed that match with straight-set wins over Tallon Griekspoor and Karen Khachanov, respectively. His win against Griekspoor was his 200th ATP Tour victory.
Fahad Hamid
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