Medvedev denies Rublev in stifling heat
Daniil Medvedev won the all-Russian clash at the US Open to deal his friend Andrey Rublev more quarter-final misery in hot and humid conditions.
Third seed Medvedev, the 2021 champion at Flushing Meadows, lost the opening three games of the match as Rublev flew out of the blocks. The world number eight, who is godfather to Medvedev’s daughter, won the first eight points and 14 out of the first 15.
But Medvedev quickly grew into the match, winning the first two sets amid some punishing rallies in stifling heat inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. Rublev led by a break in the third but was pegged back again, and in a 15-minute final game, Medvedev converted match point at the fifth attempt to wrap up a 6-4 6-3 6-4 victory.
Luckless Rublev has now made the quarter-final stage in nine grand slams, and he has lost all of them. “It was brutal,” said Medvedev. “The only good thing is in these conditions both suffer. I know he never gives up, but he knows I never give up too.” PA Media
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Right, that’s it for this particular live blog. We’ll have coverage of Keys’s clash with Vondrousova and Alcaraz’s meeting with Zverev to come but, for now, all the best.
Asked to rate his tennis at the moment, Medvedev replies: “10 out of 10”. Alcaraz and Zverev, be warned.
Medvedev, breathing heavily, trudges over for his post-match interview. “It was brutal. The only good thing I see in these conditions is that both suffer, usually it’s not one who suffers, so it was tough for both of us,” he says.
“At the end of the first set I kind of couldn’t see the ball anymore, I tried to play with sensations … we were tired all the time, brutal conditions and super tough to win.”
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Medvedev beats Rublev 6-4, 6-3, 6-4!
After an epic tug-of-war at deuce, Medvedev settles it once and for all. Four match points come and go, before an exhausted Rublev sends a shot long to offer up a fifth and then slaps one into the net.
It didn’t feel like a straight-sets win, with both players labouring in the conditions and struggling to impose a sense of control as the match wore on. Rublev made the better start in each of the three sets, but fell apart on serve time and again. It may not have been Medvedev’s best performance, but he will be delighted to have triumphed in challenging circumstances. He will now face one of Alcaraz or Zverev in the semis.
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Third set: Medvedev 6-4, 6-3, 5-4 Rublev* (*denotes next server)
The game starts with a titanic rally which Rublev wins after showing dogged determination to defend a drop shot. Medvedev picks up a couple of points on the trot, then sends a shot long for 30-30. The next rally ends with Medvedev crashing a shot into the net, yielding yet another chance to break. This time, however, he defends well, before Rublev lapses into ragged mistakes.
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Third set: *Medvedev 6-4, 6-3, 4-4 Rublev (*denotes next server)
Rublev immediately gives up two points before pulling one back with a lightning-fast ace. Medvedev drags him forwards with a tantalising drop shot, then leaves him standing like a statue with the follow-up. Rublev saves the first break point with a raking backhand down the line. Medvedev capitalises at the second time of asking, Rublev scooping a shot long.
Third set: Medvedev 6-4, 6-3, 3-4 Rublev* (*denotes next server)
Medvedev stops the slide, helped by some loose hitting from Rublev. “One player is going to die and they will see,” Medvedev says angrily for the benefit of the television cameras, sweat pouring off him.
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Third set: *Medvedev 6-4, 6-3, 2-4 Rublev (*denotes next server)
At last, Rublev holds. Medvedev’s shot selection goes haywire and, with the help of a thumping ace, Rublev puts some daylight between him and his opponent.
Third set: Medvedev 6-4, 6-3, 2-3 Rublev* (*denotes next server)
The match continues to oscillate wildly, Medvedev coughing up two break points in turn. Much like his compatriot, he defends the first but loses the second. Both players seem to be wilting in the heat. It’s absolutely sweltering at Flushing Meadows at the moment.
Third set: *Medvedev 6-4, 6-3, 2-2 Rublev (*denotes next server)
Rublev’s serve remains strangely jellylike and Medvedev sets it wobbling again. He cedes two break points, defending the first before losing the second with a grimace.
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Third set: Medvedev 6-4, 6-3, 1-2 Rublev* (*denotes next server)
Medvedev roars to 30-0 before Rublev fires a defiant blast to the baseline which is in by millimetres. Rublev wins a frenetic rally, but Medvedev responds with his seventh ace of the match. Rublev brings up deuce with some nimble hitting, eventually drawing Medvedev into a wayward shot. Medvedev hands him three break points and, having squandered the first, with the second cancelled out by another ace, Rublev finally breaks after clinging on tenaciously to benefit from a double fault.
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Third set: *Medvedev 6-4, 6-3, 1-1 Rublev (*denotes next server)
Rublev drops the first point then wins a gruelling rally, drawing a round of applause from the crowd. He comes to the net to grapple with his friend, tempting Medvedev into a shot which goes long. The following exchange ends with Medvedev narrowly overcooking a cross-court zinger. Rublev sees out the game with a look of tired relief.
Third set: Medvedev 6-4, 6-3, 1-0 Rublev* (*denotes next server)
Rublev starts aggressively once more, earning a break point. Medvedev defends it deftly, hauling himself back to deuce, before rattling off a couple of points to hold.
Medvedev wins the second set 6-3!
Rublev’s struggles on serve continue, with Medvedev breaking once again and putting himself in an excellent position to win the match. Rublev will need to launch an epic comeback to salvage a spot in the semi-finals.
Thanks Niall. By the looks of it, Rublev has his work cut out to save this second set …
Second set: Medvedev 6-4, 5-3 Rublev* (*denotes next server)
Medvedev is ready to go again with a good two minutes of the timeout left, but finds himself on the back foot as Rublev finds the baseline with a dipping forehand. He earns two break points, but Medvedev saves them both by widening the court. A big return earns Rublev another, a bigger ace cancels it out, and Medvedev scraps to a hold with Rublev’s timing deserting him.
And with that, I’ll hand you back over to Will Magee …
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After getting back in front in this seesaw set, Medvedev requests a medical timeout. He is having some kind of stomach pain, which he says is affecting his breathing, and uses an inhaler. Something similar happened to him in a previous round, according to the Sky commentary team.
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Second set: *Medvedev 6-4, 4-3 Rublev (*denotes next server) It’s a bit of a grind just now, neither player close to top gear and both frustrated that they can’t take charge of the set.
At 15-30 down, Rublev channels his anger into a series of lashed forehands that have Medvedev running back and forth in vain. He tries to stick with that tactic but nets on his next attempt and runs out of patience in the next rally with Medvedev holding firm.
Second set: Medvedev 6-4, 3-3 Rublev* (*denotes next server) Just as Medvedev looks to have his serve back on track, he finds another double fault – his seventh of the match – at 40-15 up. He offers a shake of his head, regroups and fires an ace down the middle.
Second set: *Medvedev 6-4, 2-3 Rublev (*denotes next server) Rublev would very much have taken this at 1-0 down. Can he consolidate with the hold? He’s off to a shaky start, drifting to 0-40, but saves two break points with some crafty net play. Then, as both players settle in to a long rally, Rublev goes needlessly big on a cross-court shot. Medvedev breaks straight back!
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Second set: Medvedev 6-4, 1-3 Rublev* (*denotes next server) Rublev gets back in time and picks up where he left off, hitting flatter and deeper to disrupt Medvedev’s rhythm. The No 3 seed has gone off the boil and slips 0-40 down, then slaps a forehand into the net after Rublev dug out an excellent return.
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Second set: *Medvedev 6-4, 1-2 Rublev (*denotes next server) Rublev tells the umpire, James Keothavong, he needs to leave the court after the next game, but will be back in the alloted changeover time. Once that’s sorted, Rublev secures an important hold with a bit of serve-volley.
Second set: Medvedev 6-4, 1-1 Rublev* (*denotes next server)
A useful stat from the Sky number-crunchers: 62% of Medvedev’s first serves are not coming back, compared to just 25% of Rublev’s. But what’s this? After Rublev scraps to deuce, Medvedev serves up not one, but two, double faults before snapping angrily at his coaching box. Rublev is back level in the set …
Second set: *Medvedev 6-4, 1-0 Rublev (*denotes next server)
Nothing coming easy for Rublev, Medvedev sitting deep and sending a misdirected smash back to reach deuce. A run of brutal rallies follow, but Medvedev just looks a little more comfortable and scoots to the net to pick up a drop shot. Rublev’s return volley is long, and his opponent is firmly in charge.
Thanks Will. Rublev will be feeling pretty deflated after that first set – he made such a strong start but lost his way, and has made the task of making a first slam semi-final much harder for himself.
It’s time for me to get a break and a bite to eat, with Niall McVeigh taking the reins for a while.
Medvedev wins the first set 6-4!
Rublev made an explosive start to the first set, but his spark faded midway through. Medvedev sees out his service game, leaving his compatriot visibly seething.
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An update from the women’s doubles: Siegemund and Zvonareva have beaten Azarenka and Haddad Maia 5-7, 7-5, 6-4.
*Medvedev 5-4 Rublev (*denotes next server)
Having dropped a couple of points, Rublev looks increasingly exasperated. He wins an extended rally, then another, with a killer shot to the baseline and a cross-court blast. He cedes break point, however, with a wild hit. Medvedev completes the break as Rublev sends another one long.
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Medvedev 4-4 Rublev* (*denotes next server)
Medvedev looks much sharper on serve than he did at the start of the set. He drops a point when he sends an attempted forehand into the net, then another when Rublev sends a winner down the line, but clinches the game with a scything ace.
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*Medvedev 3-4 Rublev (*denotes next server)
Rublev gees himself up with a few words of self-encouragement before re-entering the fray. It has the desired effect as he, too, holds to love.
Medvedev 3-3 Rublev* (*denotes next server)
Medvedev produces a blistering service game, holding to love. Having started like a runaway train, Rublev has come to a juddering halt.
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*Medvedev 2-3 Rublev (*denotes next server)
Medvedev breaks back! Having given away three break points, Rublev saves the first with a clever drop shot. He attempts another the second time round, but it plummets into the net.
Medvedev 1-3 Rublev* (*denotes next server)
Medvedev wins the opening point of his second service game, but then double faults again. That seems to give him a jolt of frustrated energy and he sees out the game with a series of crackling shots.
*Medvedev 0-3 Rublev (*denotes next server)
Rublev extends his early winning streak to 10 points, finally letting one slip with a forehand which drifts narrowly wide. He’s unperturbed, closing out the last two points before allowing himself a celebratory fist pump.
Medvedev 0-2 Rublev* (*denotes next server)
Medvedev makes his first error, attempting to fizz a winner along the line but overhitting it. Rublev gets the better of a chaotic rally at close quarters, leaving the crowd gasping in delight. Medvedev double faults, gifting Rublev three break points. He only needs one.
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*Medvedev 0-1 Rublev (*denotes next server)
Rublev makes a solid start in his opening service game, selecting his shots carefully and leaving Medvedev chasing shadows. He holds to love, producing one big ace along the way.
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Medvedev and Rublev are out on the court. Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, gives an understated wave to the crowd.
Over in the women’s doubles, Siegemund and Zvonareva won the second set and are now 2-1 up in the third against Azarenka and Haddad Maia.
Next up, Medvedev takes on Rublev. It’s an interesting match, this, with the two compatriots so close off the court that Rublev is godfather to Medvedev’s infant daughter Alisa.
You don't want to miss this matchup. 👀 pic.twitter.com/3Iff9hXXhA
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2023
Sabalenka seems relieved to have seen off Zheng’s fightback, letting off nervous energy in her post-match interview. “I think I definitely played great tennis today,” she says. “I’m super happy with the win against her, she played incredible tennis at the US Open this year.”
Asked about her status as soon-to-be world No 1, she says: “Of course I’m happy and, as I said in the previous on-court interview, it’s incredible for me and my family. But I have some things still to do in New York this year and I’ll think about becoming No 1 after the US Open.”
Sabalenka beats Zheng 6-1, 6-4!
It’s been a tricky second set for Sabalenka, but she sees it out with steely determination. There’s a brief wobble in the form of another double fault, but she follows up with a flurry of powerful shots which leave Zheng snowed under and unable to resist.
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Zheng 1-6, 4-5 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka snatches the first point, but Zheng hits back with a clipped shot which drops beyond her opponent’s reach. The pair trade blows before Sabalenka wrangles a match point, but Zheng drags it to deuce. Sabalenka makes a rare unforced error to hand Zheng advantage. She takes it with a fierce serve.
*Zheng 1-6, 3-5 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka makes her first double fault of the match, but roars back with three points on the bounce. Another double fault gives Zheng a glimmer of hope, but Sabalenka snuffs it out with a devastating backhand.
Zheng 1-6, 3-4 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
Zheng starts with a big ace, her third of the second set. She then double faults, however, giving Sabalenka an opening. A forehand error compounds the problem and, while Sabalenka balloons an attempted return to make it 30-30, Zheng overhits a shot to gift her break point. Zheng crumbles under a barrage of big hits, sending another shot beyond the baseline to hand her opponent a potentially crucial advantage.
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*Zheng 1-6, 3-3 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
As much as she’s improved, Zheng is still struggling to dent Sabalenka’s ironclad serve. The Belarusian holds to love.
Zheng 1-6, 3-2 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
It’s a much more even contest now. Zheng sets the tone by winning a punchy opening rally, dropping a single point on the way to another hold.
*Zheng 1-6, 2-2 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka drops the opening point, but responds with a vicious backhand winner. The two trade points, Zheng slowly growing in confidence and briefly throwing her rival off her rhythm. Even so, Sabalenka stays laser-focused. She closes out the game with power and poise.
Zheng 1-6, 2-1 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
Zheng produces her first ace of the match and looks relatively comfortable, but then makes an unforced error and allows Sabalenka back into the game. Her opponent squanders the opportunity, however, lashing a wild shot well wide.
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*Zheng 1-6, 1-1 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
While Zheng’s service game has improved, it’s hard to see her conjuring up a break. Sabalenka rounds things off with an artful slice.
Zheng 1-6, 1-0 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka wins the first point of the second set with a thunderous backhand, but overhits a couple of shots, is thrown off by a smart forehand from Zheng and then, in the decisive rally, crashes a shot into the net.
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Sabalenka wins the first set 6-1!
After that brief blip, normal service resumes. Other than a wayward shot that whistles beyond the baseline, Sabalenka produces another ice-cold service game to secure the first set.
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Zheng 1-5 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
Zheng shows her fighting spirit, winning a couple of rallies with forehand winners down the line. Sabalenka momentarily loses her range and, with a solid final serve, her opponent finally gets on the scoreboard.
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*Zheng 0-5 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
It’s another easy hold for Sabalenka. This has been an absolutely ruthless performance so far.
Zheng 0-4 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
The first set already looks to have slipped through Zheng’s fingers. Sabalenka gets the better of the opening exchange after charging to the net and smashing a shot beyond her opponent’s reach, thrashes her way to 40-0, drops a point and then, barely acknowledging the fact, finishes off with a massive forehand smash.
*Zheng 0-3 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka rattles off another hold to love. She’s now won 12 points to Zheng’s two.
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Zheng 0-2 Sabalenka* (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka breaks immediately, dragging Zheng about the court with ominous ease. Having won the first three points to love the Belarusian misses a clincher, then cedes another point, but Zheng clips the net just as it looks she might pull it back to deuce and the ball veers out.
*Zheng 0-1 Sabalenka (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka breezes through her opening service game, playing a series of crisp, clean shots with good variety. Zheng has the sun in her eyes and seems a little dazzled, failing to register a point.
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Zheng and Sabalenka are out on the court. Meanwhile, Azarenka and Haddad Maia have just edged the first set against Siegemund and Zvonareva 7-5.
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It’s almost time for Zheng’s clash with Sabalenka, the world No 1 in waiting. While the former is on a career-best grand slam run, the latter is looking to reach her third straight semi-final at Flushing Meadows.
As well as the singles action, the women’s doubles quarter-finals are under way. Laura Siegemund and Vera Zvonareva are currently tied 3-3 against Victoria Azarenka and Beatriz Haddad Maia in the first set of their match at Louis Armstrong Stadium, while Pegula and Coco Gauff face Hsieh Su-wei and Wang Xinyu later on.
As she awaits her meeting with Vondrousova, Keys has spoken to Sky Sports about her strong showing at the tournament so far. “I think I played a really high level,” she says, when asked about her 6-1, 6-3 win against Jessica Pegula in the last 16. “Jess is a phenomenal player so I knew I was going to have to play some of my best tennis. Luckily it all worked out.”
Reflecting on the challenge of facing Vondrousova, she adds: “Obviously she’s playing at a really, really great level, having won her first grand slam. She’s already kind of a crafty, tricky player, so I think I’m definitely going to have to keep her on her toes a little bit.”
Preamble
Another day, another wild ride in the US Open. After Ben Shelton’s helter-skelter win against Frances Tiafoe, another home talent, Madison Keys, takes to the court later on for what promises to be a gripping quarter-final against Marketa Vondrousova, the reigning Wimbledon champion.
Before then, however, Qinwen Zheng will battle Aryna Sabalenka for a place in the semis and, in the men’s singles, Daniil Medvedev will look to overcome Andrey Rublev. There’s also the small matter of Carlos Alcaraz’s meeting with Alexander Zverev. No shortage of drama to come, then.
