In a compelling display of resilience and skill, former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev secured his place in the fourth round of the US Open for the sixth consecutive year. The 27-year-old Russian, known for his defensive prowess and tactical acumen, overcame a spirited challenge from Italy’s 22-year-old Flavio Cobolli, winning the match in straight sets: 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. The match, held on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium court, was a captivating encounter that tested Medvedev’s patience and resolve.
From the onset, it was evident that Medvedev would not have an easy ride. Cobolli, a promising young talent making his mark on the ATP tour, came out with all guns blazing. The Italian showcased his determination, managing to break Medvedev’s serve twice in the third set, a feat that few players have achieved against the seasoned Russian. The New York crowd, always eager for an underdog story, rallied behind Cobolli, spurring him on through a series of intense and entertaining rallies. Despite the pressure, Medvedev remained composed, drawing on his vast experience to turn the tide each time Cobolli seemed poised to take control.
Medvedev’s ability to elevate his game at critical moments was on full display. Though Cobolli’s aggressive play posed challenges, Medvedev’s uncanny defensive skills and strategic use of angles ultimately proved too much for his younger opponent. His experience allowed him to anticipate Cobolli’s shots and respond with precision, often turning defense into offense in the blink of an eye. “It was a tough match,” Medvedev admitted in a post-match interview. “He was just a little bit up and down and at one point started playing much better on my serve than his, so a tricky match.” These words captured the essence of a match where momentum swung back and forth, but Medvedev’s calm under pressure ensured he had the last word.
The turning point came late in the third set when Medvedev, down a break, managed to regain his composure and claw his way back into the lead. The Russian’s consistency and mental toughness came to the fore as he won the last three games of the contest, ultimately sealing the victory on his second match point. Reflecting on the match, Medvedev expressed his satisfaction, not just with the win, but with the level of competition. “It was a fun match to play,” he said, acknowledging the excitement and challenge that Cobolli brought to the court.
Medvedev’s victory sets up an intriguing fourth-round clash with Portugal’s Nuno Borges. The two have crossed paths before, with Medvedev emerging victorious in their only prior meeting at the Australian Open earlier this year. However, Medvedev is not taking anything for granted. Speaking about his upcoming opponent, he noted, “He surprised me with how much power he has. Very, very aggressive player, so not an easy match.” Medvedev is well aware of Borges’ capabilities, especially after the Portuguese player saved three match points in his previous match against Jakub Mensik. Such a performance underscores the tenacity and fighting spirit that Borges brings to the court, qualities that Medvedev will need to counter to secure his spot in the quarter-finals.
As the only former champion remaining in the draw, following the unexpected early exits of top-seeded Novak Djokovic and rising star Carlos Alcaraz, Medvedev carries the weight of expectations. His victory in New York in 2021, where he famously defeated Djokovic to deny the Serb a calendar Grand Slam, remains fresh in the memory of tennis fans. Since then, Medvedev has continued to be a formidable presence on the tour, reaching the final of the Australian Open and the semi-finals at Wimbledon this year. However, a title has eluded him since his triumph at the ATP Masters 1000 in Rome in May of last year.
The 2024 US Open presents Medvedev with another opportunity to assert his dominance and add to his Grand Slam tally. With the draw opening up and his form looking solid, Medvedev’s path to another US Open final seems promising. Yet, he knows that each match will bring its own challenges, and the young guns of the ATP tour are hungry for their breakthrough moments.
Medvedev’s journey through the US Open is a testament to his enduring talent and competitiveness. As he continues to navigate the pressures and challenges of high-stakes tennis, one thing is clear: Daniil Medvedev remains a player to watch, capable of producing brilliance on the biggest stages. His performance against Cobolli was a reminder of why he is a Grand Slam champion, and as he prepares for the battles ahead, fans and critics alike are eager to see what he will do next.
