Nitto ATP Finals 2020: Rafael Nadal vs Daniil Medvedev Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction

Nitto ATP Finals 2020: Rafael Nadal vs Daniil Medvedev Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction
Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev

Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev will clash in the semifinals of the Nitto ATP Finals 2020 on Saturday. Nadal won his last round robin match against Stefanos Tsitsipas in three sets to finish the Group London 2020 on 2nd place, behind Dominic Thiem. Daniil Medvedev will finish the Group Tokyo 1970 on first place, irrespective of his result against Diego Schwartzman, after securing 2 wins out of 2 in the opening matches.

Match Details:

  • Date: 21st November, 2020
  • Tournament: Nitto ATP Finals 2020
  • Fixture: Daniil Medvedev vs Rafael Nadal
  • Round: Semifinals
  • Venue: London, United Kingdom
  • Category: ATP Finals
  • Surface: Indoor Hard-Court
  • Prize Money: $5,700,000

Rafael Nadal vs Daniil Medvedev: Match Preview

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal started off his campaign after a straight sets victory over Andrey Rublev in the first round robin stage encounter. However, he was dealt a blow after he lost to Dominic Thiem, in a thrilling 2 set encounter. Nadal had to get the better off the defending champion, Stefanos Tsitsipas in a virtual quarterfinal clash to book a place in the semifinals. The Spaniard did just that, but had to battle it out in 3 sets to claim the victory. Nadal entered his first semifinals at the Nitto ATP Finals in 5 years and remains on course to win his maiden ATP Finals title.

Daniil Medvedev came into the tournament on the back of a Paris Masters title. The Russian who could not win a single match last year in London, has been in extraordinary form this week, winning both of his first 2 matches. He defeated the Nitto ATP Finals 2018 champion, Alexander Zverev in straight sets in a replay of the Paris Masters Final. In the 2nd match, he defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets to continue his great form. He now faces Diego Schwartzman on Friday and irrespective of the result, he will finish Group Tokyo 1970 on top.

Rafael Nadal vs Daniil Medvedev: Head-to-Head

Daniil Medvedev

The duo have each other 3 times in the past with Rafael Nadal winning on all occasions and leading the head to head record 3-0. They last played at the Nitto ATP Finals last year in the round-robin stage itself. It was a memorable encounter, as Medvedev leading 5-1 in the third set, and on course to collect his 1st win, was overpowered by Rafael Nadal who came back in extraordinary fashion, winning the set 7-6, and winning the match.

They also faced off at the US Open 2019 final, which was another memorable encounter. Rafael Nadal won the match in a thrilling 5 set encounter. The Spaniard inspite of leading 2 sets to love, was forced to fight it out in 5 sets after the Russian delivered a remarkable performance.

Rafael Nadal vs Daniil Medvedev: Match Prediction

Rafael Nadal will progress into the finals

Rafael Nadal has the mental edge over the Russian, having beaten him on all of their past 3 meetings. The Russian has always crumbled in pressure when he is up against Nadal. However, things do look different this time, with the Russian in superior form and a class above the others. The match will be a tightly contested 3 set affair, but again the Spaniard will edge out Medvedev because of ability to maintain his composure when it matters the most.

Nadal, has been serving well this week in London which will be a vital factor in deciding the outcome of the match. Furthermore, the Russian will have just under a day to prepare himself against Nadal, as he plays his 3rd round robin stage match against Schwartzman on Friday night.

Match Prediction: Rafael Nadal to win in 3 sets

Also Read: Nitto ATP Finals 2020: Daniil Medvedev vs Diego Schwartzman Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction