Medvedev tops Rublev in straight sets in ATP Finals opener

Daniil Medvedev, world number 3, won against his compatriot world number 5, Andrey Rublev, 2-0 sets for only 1 hour and 32 minutes on the court and topped Group B at the ATP Finals in Turin after his clean victory as Zverev is 2^nd after beating 2-1 sets Alcaraz earlier today.

On 🔝 of his game! @DaniilMedwed defeats close friend Rublev 6-4 6-2 in his opening match #NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/t1iPJoK1FQ

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 13, 2023

Only 1 break was enough for Medvedev to triumph in the 1^st set as Rublev had 7 opportunities to break Daniil’s serve, but the world number 3 saved all of them.

2 – With this victory at the ATP Finals in Turin, Daniil Medvedev is now only the second player to defeat Andrey Rublev three times in a calendar year at ATP events, after Novak Djokovic – also in 2023. Matchup.#NittoATPFinals | @DaniilMedwed @atptour @ATPMediaInfo pic.twitter.com/Q5YMMOdoh6

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) November 13, 2023

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In the 2^nd set, Andrey had 0 chances to break Medvedev’s serve while Daniil converted 2 from 5 opportunities and ended the set 6-2 for 37 minutes. We must add that Rublev injured his hand midway through the set and was seemingly uncomfortable until the end of the clash.

Medvedev will face next world number 2, Carlos Alcaraz, while Rublev will play against world number 8 – Alexander Zverev.

Daniil Medvedev after beating Andrey Rublev at ATP Finals

“Andrey said before the match ‘Medvedev kills you slowly.’ Is that how you do it?”

Daniil: “I like to play aggressive on my serve or the first shot after the return. But Rublev plays such a style that he doesn’t give me… pic.twitter.com/1uVq6xxSvN

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 13, 2023