Daniil Medvedev prevailed past his compatriot Karen Khachanov for a fifth straight final in Miami.
Daniil Medvedev got the needed victory by beating compatriot Karen Khachanov in three sets of 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-3 to reach the Miami Open final for the first time.
By reaching the final in Miami, Medvedev has now reached the final of every ATP 1000 and Slam played on hardcourts, as well as the ATP finals. He has also made the finals of most 500 on hard court (Rotterdam, Dubai, Washington, Tokyo, and Vienna).
It's his fifth consecutive final in a row over seven weeks, has won 23 of his last 24 matches, and his 28th win of the season, allowing him to top the ATP Race rankings, surpassing Djokovic.
Based on stats released by Opta Ace, the Russian is the 12th player to make it to the finals of both tournaments of the Sunshine Double (Indian Wells and Miami) in the same year and the first since Roger Federer in 2019.
And he is the first player to reach 5+ ATP level finals before the clay courts season since Roger Federer in 2006.
02:39 - 20.03.2023
TENNIS Carlos Alcaraz ends Medvedev's winning streak to win first Indian Wells title
Carlos Alcaraz completed a dominant run to his maiden Indian Wells title on Sunday, with perhaps his most one-sided victory of the tournament against Daniil Medvedev.
In his interview after the match, Medvedev had this to say about reaching the final.
“I think I made six finals in 2018, so I have some margin. It’s a pity it’s clay season after. I’m gonna try, but it’s definitely a pity.”
And if he can win Miami on Sunday, Medvedev said:
"I have to believe in myself. I know I can win big titles and beat anybody. Alcaraz is on fire right now, but you cannot win 100 matches in a row. Maybe 40, 45. But someone will put water on this fire. It might be Sinner today, might be me Sunday,” he said.
06:36 - 31.03.2023
TENNIS Miami Open 2023: Unstoppable Rybakina defeats Pegula to reach Sunshine Double final
Elena Rybakina becomes the sixth player in history to become a finalist at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, and Miami Open in the same year.
Meanwhile, earlier today, Pulse Sports reported that Wimbledon has lifted the ban on Russian and Belarusian players, and they can now play at the Grand Slam this summer.
Medvedev had this to say concerning the decision. "I’m happy to know about this. I always said if I can play Wimbledon, I’ll be really happy to be there. It’s a tournament I love...I cannot say I hate grass, I kind of like it. I’m happy I have the chance to play this year.”
He will face the winner between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner on Sunday.