Google News Mouratoglou explains what Medvedev can do against Nadal that many others can't
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 7252
Renowned tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou says the difference between Daniil Medvedev and most of the other players is that the Russian has the ability to cut trajectory on the Spaniard's forehand cross to go down the line.
World No. 2 Medvedev was on the verge of claiming his first Australian Open title but Nadal created a stunning comeback to win a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title. Sixth-seeded Nadal recovered from two sets down to beat Medvedev 2-6 6-7 (5) 6-4 6-4 7-5 in the Australian Open final.
"Difference between Daniil and most of the other players vs Rafa is his ability to cut trajectory on Rafa’s FH cross to go DTL," Mouratoglou tweeted.
Nadal created a historic comeback
Medvedev made a fast start to the match as he broke Nadal twice to comfortably win the opener.
Nadal reacted well to losing the first set as he took an early 4-1 second set lead. Medvedev got the break back in the seventh game but Nadal earned another break in the eighth game to take a 5-3 lead. Nadal failed to serve out for the set in the ninth game as Medvedev managed to force a tie-break.
Nadal had a 5-3 lead in the tie-break but then lost four consecutive points as Medvedev went up by two sets. Nadal saved three consecutive set points in the sixth game of the third set before breaking Medvedev in the ninth game.
Nadal routinely served out for the third set in the 10th game. Nadal blew an early fourth set break but broke Medvedev again in the fifth game and then held on to his serve the rest of the set to force a decider. Nadal was also the first to get to a break in the fifth set as he broke Medvedev in the fifth game.
Nadal failed to serve out for the match in the 10th game but kept his focus as he broke Medvedev again in the 11th game and served out to love in the following game to clinch his second Australian Open title.