Just over two weeks ago I wrote about Daniil Medvedev's chances of winning the US Open highlighting how he most likely would have to face both Federer and Djokovic before he reached Nadal in the final. Fast forward to today and the Russian has been rather fortuitous in avoiding both players. Djokovic went out at the hands of Wawrinka and Federer was defeated by Grigor Dimitrov. Both those players were subsequently defeated by Medvedev himself so one could argue he has earned his place in the final nevertheless.
Source - Daniil Medvedev - Getty Images
Now he faces an opponent that already pulverised him at the Canadian Masters final 6-3, 6-0 - Nadal just 3 weeks ago. So far the Spanish bull has only dropped one set in New York where as Medvedev has dropped four. Nadal is the clear favourite to give Medvedev the sort of drumming he did in Montreal.
Medvedev has been nursing a weakened left leg this tournament but has still managed to make a run to the final. His injury comes as no surprise with his preferred defensive style of play wearing him out. His height of 6ft 6 inches coupled with his deep position on court and work ethic means we can expect more injuries rearing their ugly head in the future.
Today his defensive nature won't pay off as it has done with various other opponents. He will have to go all out attack to give himself a chance vs Nadal because Nadal can happily sit deep and out rally Medvedev all day long given his height, build and experience.
This could be one reason why Medvedev has been working with his coach to improve his forecourt game including volleying. Having a more aggressive secondary style is important for a player of his height, we saw this vs Wawrinka where he was clearly struggling with his left leg and still managed to pull through 3-1 after he switched up his approach to be far more aggressive. Vs Dimitrov Medvedev went back to be very defensive preferring to hang far behind the baseline and absorb the attacking pressure of the Bulgarian. This is how he won the key points in his straight sets win.
While other opponents may get frustrated easily with Medvedev Nadal is a better version of Medvedev from the back and this sort of tactic will leave the Russian wanting. Something tells me though that Medvedev won't learn from his previous loss in Canada vs Nadal preferring to still try outwit Nadal from deep. If he resorts to this tactic he will clearly loose today and it will be a fitting victory for Nadal given he had to pull out of last years Semi Final vs Del Potro due to a supposed injury.
Watch Medvedev Frustrate Dimitrov to Reach His First Ever Grand Slam Final
Watch Nadal Destroy Berrettini in Straight Sets to Reach his Fifth US Open Final
Nadal is my fave player, not that I know a ton but when I do watch/read he's my personal GOAT at least for these days.
And he showed exactly why he is yesterday!