Medvedev Emerges as a Serious Threat in 2023 Tennis Season after Beating Djokovic in Dubai
In a stunning upset, Daniil Medvedev ended Novak Djokovic‘s unbeaten run in 2023 with a straight-set victory in the semi-finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships. Medvedev proved himself to be a serious contender in the Grand Slams as he handed Djokovic his first defeat of the year. Despite Djokovic’s strong start, Medvedev was able to soak up his opponent’s power and counter with his own, securing a 6-4 6-4 win.
Medvedev’s movement and easy power pushed Djokovic around the court, while also showing supreme touch with a drop shot that helped back up the break. Despite losing the opening set, Djokovic picked up momentum towards the end of it, but was caught off guard by Medvedev at the start of the second.
There was even some controversy in the sixth game of the second set, as Medvedev was called for a foot fault, which was quickly overturned by the umpire. This decision incensed Djokovic, who became involved in a lengthy argument with the official.
In the end, Medvedev found a string of big serves to hold in a huge eighth game, putting him one away from victory. Djokovic held serve in the ninth, but Medvedev brought up match point by reaching a drop shot he appeared to have no right to get to, and closed out his fifth career win over Djokovic with a booming forehand.
The victory was Medvedev’s 13th win in a row, and he will take on fellow countryman Andrey Rublev in the final. While Medvedev is unsure if he will be able to play at Wimbledon this year, on the form he showed in beating Djokovic, he will be a force to be reckoned with in the Grand Slams he is allowed to contest.
