Mats Wilander wonders whether more players can take inspiration from Daniil Medvedev’s stunning victory over Novak Djokovic in the 2021 US Open finals


Mats Wilander wonders whether more players can take inspiration from Daniil Medvedev’s stunning victory over Novak Djokovic in the 2021 US Open finals

Daniil Medvedev

World No.2 Daniil Medvedev did the unthinkable by beating World No.1 Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 US Open. Although the Serbian has lost several times in the finals in New York, stopping him from achieving the Calendar Slam for the year was one daunting task.

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Former World No.1 Mats Wilander too expressed his views on the shocking defeat of the Serb, and also wondered whether the Russian has paved the way for many others.

Wilander believes that Medvedev was able to neutralise Djokovic’s game and going forward, many more players can take a leaf out of the 2021 US Open champion’s book.

“He neutralised Novak’s game a little bit. He didn’t hit too hard. A lot of his shots were going down the middle of the court and he was asking Novak to actively do something and show that he has the power to hit through him.”

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“The question is do the other big players now think they can beat Novak in big finals or is it just Medvedev that believes it.”

The seven-time Grand Slam champion further opined that not only did Medvedev use his serve effectively, but he was also very fresh coming into the finals, as compared to Djokovic, who had spent plenty of energy in the quarters and semis.

“Medvedev was serving incredibly well and you need to do that for free points. Medvedev was too smart, too strong physically.”

Medvedev was fresh coming into the finals

Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev

Medvedev wasn’t tested in the whole tournament. Yes he played four sets with [Botic] Van de Zandschulp 7-5 in the fourth but he wasn’t really tested. He had more energy in the end and was a nightmare opponent for Djokovic the way it went,” the Swede added.

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Interestingly, this was the first time the 25-year-old Medvedev had beaten the 34-year-old Djokovic in the Grand Slams, in three attempts.

Also read: ‘I have absolutely no idea on when and where I am going to play next,’ says Novak Djokovic