Medvedev eliminated Alcaraz in the US Open semi-finals

Medvedev said before the semi-final that he had to perform 11 points out of 10 to surpass the 20-year-old talent. By saving eight out of nine break-point risks in this match, the Russian tennis player did something few people thought of.

"I even scored 12 points in October in this match, except for the third set," Medvedev said after the victory. "That's the only way to defeat Alcaraz. He is only 20 years old but has won two Grand Slams and is number one in the world for many weeks. No one has done it like Alcaraz at that age. To defeat him, everyone needs to play beyond their ability and I did that."

Medvedev played almost perfectly in the first two sets, but Alcaraz won the third set. Before the match, the Spaniard, who had won all five matches, had to play five sets at Flushing Meadows. However, Medvedev did not give the young player a chance to go to set five.

In the deciding set four, the 27-year-old player used the strategy of retreating deep to return serve, while Alcaraz wanted to serve and finish immediately. However, the third seed returned the ball better, eventually forcing the opponent to make mistakes at the net and winning the return game. Better serving ability also helped the 1.98 m tall player protect break points, to reach the final against Djokovic.

This match attracts American sports stars such as Tom Brady, Kevin Durant or actress Charlize Theron. Medvedev continues to show perseverance and will repeat the 2021 final, when he defeated Djokovic to win the only Grand Slam of his career. "When I beat Djokovic here two years ago, I had to play better than my limit," he said. "And I'll have to do it again."

The 2023 US Open men's singles final will take place from around 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 11, Hanoi time.