Daniil Medvedev was also defeated by Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals of the Masters 1000 in Shanghai. The former world number 1 has surrendered to the Italian ace with a score of 6-1 6-4, never being able to put in difficulty his opponent also because of a shoulder problem.
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The 23-year-old from San Candido has become a real nightmare for the champion from Moscow in the last 12 months, considering that Jannik prevailed in seven of the last eight matches played against Daniil. The only victory of the Russian in the last year was in the quarterfinals of the Wimbledon Championships, when he won in five sets thanks to the imperfect conditions of his opponent.
The feeling is that the world number 1 has figured out how to put the US Open 2021 champion in trouble, who no longer has any weapons to curb Sinners power from baseline. Medvedev had literally dominated the first part of their rivalry, before the rise of the Italian ace in the last year.
The Russian champion had put Sinner in serious trouble this year in the final of the Australian Open, winning the first two sets and approaching the second Grand Slam title of his career. One step away from defeat, Jannik reacted like a true champion and inflicted a really painful defeat on the Russian.
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Medvedev is in trouble
Medvedev will have to find new solutions if he wants to reverse the inertia of his rivalry with Sinner. His style of play is no longer enough to defeat the 2-time Grand Slam champion, who has made a remarkable leap in quality from all points of view. "Unfortunately, I had shoulder pain, which I didn't expect. It started yesterday during the match, but I thought it was nothing, and I still think, well, I hope it's nothing serious, I will have to undergo tests tomorrow Daniil explained during the press conference.
It didn't allow me to serve as I wanted, and with Jannik, the serve is crucial because he is a great server now, it's hard to break him, so you need to serve well, and without the serve, it's difficult. When you're in pain, your energy is not the same. So in the second set, I tried to increase my energy, and that helped me a bit, but still, without the serve, it's hard to beat Jannik, and that's what happened he added.
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The tennis player from Moscow has not yet won an ATP title this year and seems to have moved away from the top of the sport. Medvedev is always very consistent, but its clear that Alcaraz and Sinner are clearly ahead of him at the moment. After struggling in the first three rounds, Jannik showed his best tennis in the quarterfinals.
The World number 1 is continuing to play an exceptional 2024, in which he suffered only six losses. "It was a great match for my team. We get to know each other a little better every time we face off. Today, I felt he had some shoulder issues, and everyone could see it, so he didn't play at his best level. These things can happen the Italian said.
Sinner onthe Big 3
After learning of the retirement of Rafael Nadal, Sinner reflected on the influence of the Big 3: "What they have accomplished in recent years has been incredible. There isn't much to say about pressure; it will always be there. But from my side, I focus on myself, on what I have to do on the court, on what I need to improve, and hopefully, that will make me a better and more consistent player.
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They have been very consistent for many years. They have not just been consistent in one or two seasons but have done it for 15 years. It's amazing what they have achieved. There are many things we can learn from them, but we can't compare ourselves to them; it's impossible, especially at this moment. I think we have all been very lucky to watch the 'Big 3' play. And I consider myself very fortunate to be able to know them also as people and learn from them."
According to many fans and insiders, two young champions like Alcaraz and Sinner could create a legacy similar to the Big 3 over the next 10-15 years. This year, Jannik and Carlitos won all four Majors and split them equally. The 23-year-old from San Candido was more consistent over the course of the season and has accumulated a remarkable advantage in the ATP Race. Both will be present in Malaga for the Davis Cup Finals in November, where fans from all over the world will greet a legend like Rafa Nadal.
