Google News ATP Rome: Daniil Medvedev tops Stefanos Tsitsipas and dances into the final
by JOVICA ILIC | VIEW 2636
Daniil Medvedev came to this year's Rome Masters with no victories from the previous three trips to the Italian capital. The Russian has raised his level on the slowest surface at Foro Italico in the last ten days, beating five rivals and advancing into his notable title clash on clay.
Daniil is through to his ninth Masters 1000 final, the first on clay, facing Holger Rune in Sunday's battle for the trophy. Medvedev ousted Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-5, 7-5 in the semi-final, staying at the complex for over six hours and experiencing multiple rain delays.
The Russian played better in the closing stages of both sets to overcome the Greek and score his eighth victory over him, the first in 16 months! Daniil made the difference with his first serve, winning 30 out of 36 points and facing two break points.
He failed to defend them, which did not affect the scoreboard after stealing Stefanos' serve four times from as many opportunities. Finding the rhythm in challenging rainy conditions and with a few delays was tough.
Daniil Medvedev ousted Stefanos Tsitsipas in two tight sets in Rome.
However, the Russian hit 18 winners and 23 unforced errors, taming his strokes nicely and leaving the Greek on a 23-32 ratio. Medvedev had the upper hand in the shortest and mid-range exchanges, forging his victory in that segment and remaining on the title course.
Daniil made a convincing start, breaking in the encounter's first game and producing three fine holds for a 4-2 advantage. Stefanos found the rhythm following that early setback and broke back in game eight to level the score at 4-4.
The rain sent them off the court, and they continued the duel hours later in the night session. Stefanos held from 30-0 down for 5-4 before they left the court again. The players returned an hour and 40 minutes later, and Medvedev held at 30 for 5-5.
Tsitsipas led 40-0 in the 11th game before Medvedev climbed back and rattled off five straight points to secure a break following the rival's double fault. Daniil hit a service winner at 6-5 to wrap up the opener after 56 minutes and gain a boost.
As in the opener, the Russian broke at the start of the second set, as the Greek lost the ground and exchanged some heavy words with his box. Stefanos kept fighting and broke back in the sixth game after a deep return to level the score at 3-3 and increase the drama.
Both players served well in the next four games, and Tsitsipas served to secure a tie break at 5-5. Instead, he repeated a poor performance from the same game of the opening set and got broken at 15 after Daniil's forehand down the line winner.
Medvedev served for the triumph in game 12 and held at 15 to seal the deal and move into the title clash.
