‘He’s a genius’ – Former world number one’s high praise ahead of Tsitsipas vs Medvedev at Australian Open
Three-time Australian Open champion Mats Wilander has labelled Daniil Medvedev a genius before the US Open champion takes on Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the Slam final.
The world number two came pulled off a miraculous comeback to defeat world number nine Felix Auger-Aliassime from two sets to love down, even rescuing a match point in the fourth set.
Meanwhile, Tsitsipas cruised through in imposing fashion against 11th seed Jannik Sinner as he won their tie in straight sets.
Before Medvedev and Tsitsipas face off for a ninth time in their ATP tour careers, Wilander gave his analysis of the two men.
“For Daniil Medvedev, never giving up doesn’t mean physically, it’s easy to push yourself to the absolute limit physically,” Wilander said on Eurosport.
“It’s the not giving up in the creative department because he is starting to serve and volley, starting to come to the net here and there.
“He just changed a bit, maybe out of desperation, maybe a genius, I think he’s a genius.
“Daniil has no filter, that’s the way he plays tennis and I love it. Your personality off the court reflects your personality on the court.”
The Russian has been forthright across the Australian Open, including by admitting that he asked himself “what would Novak do?” while two sets down to Auger-Aliassime, to which the Rod Laver Arena crowd responded with strong booing.
On the other hand, Wilander sees Tsitsipas as requiring a good day on his serve to defeat the 2021 Australian Open finalist.
“Stefanos Tsitsipas has improved his serve quite a lot in the last few years,” the seven-time Major winner explained.
“In the first few years of his career his toss was all over the place.
“It’s a weapon now he can trust. I’m surprised when he doesn’t get free points.
“When Stefanos’ first serve is working he can beat Medvedev, he can beat Rafa [Nadal], and he can beat Berrettini.
“But I’m starting to feel like he has to serve well, and then he is so good.”
Watch the Australian Open exclusively live on discovery+, Eurosport and Eurosport app.
? Read >> Breaking tennis news
? Follow >> 24/7 LIVE scores
? Free >> Receive our legendary newsletter
? Join >> Tennishead CLUB, the world’s only virtual tennis club
? Social >>Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube
? Order >> World’s best tennis magazine
? Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted retail partner