Rafael Nadal awaits Daniil Medvedev challenge in US Open Final
18-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal would be eyeing his fourth US Open title when he takes on Russia's Daniil Medvedev in the final of the US Open 2019 on Sunday. Although Nadal looks favorite on paper, Medvedev's relentless approach in the tournament this year has raised quite a few eyebrows and would certainly be unpredictable come Sunday. Here's the match preview.
Nadal's road to US Open 2019 final
Nadal's road to the final has been a steady one, as he triumphed John Millman in the opening match, followed by a walkover in the second from Thanasi Kokkinakis. He then defeated Chung Hyeon, while he overcame the challenge of Marin Cilic in the pre-quarters, followed by a win over Diego Schwartzman in the quarters. The semis saw him tame Matteo Berrettini.
Medvedev's road to US Open 2019 final
As for Medvedev, he started off with an opening-round win over Prajnesh Gunneswaran, followed by a win over Hugo Dellien in the second and Feliciano López in the third. The pre-quarters saw him tame Dominik Koepfer, followed by a crucial win over Stan Wawrinka in the quarters. In the semis, he overcame the challenge of Grigor Dimitrov.
Medvedev leads the chart with most ATP wins in 2019
As far as winning is concerned, Medvedev has so far registered the most wins in the ATP tours this year. While Medvedev has 50 wins this year, he is followed by his US Open final opponent Nadal, who has 46 wins.
Medvedev looks to become fifth maiden Slam winner since 2009
Wining the maiden Grand Slam is always a moment of honor, and Medvedev would look to do the same as he eyes his this year. If he manages to win, he would become the fifth player to win a slam since 2009, joining the likes of Juan Martin del Potro, Andy Murray, Wawrinka, and Cilic.
Nadal eyes rare feat, winning fifth Grand Slam over 30
Asides eyeing his fourth US Open title, in a platform he is not really comfortable playing on, he would also look to achieve a rare feat. If he manages to win the title on Sunday, he would claim his fifth Grand Slam title above the age of 30 in the Open Era and would become the first player to do so.
Nadal has a slender lead over Medvedev
Nadal favorite against Medvedev
As far as our prediction goes, we believe Nadal is the favorite, owing to his flawless form. Also, he has spent comparatively less time on the court, while he has managed to lose just a set so far in his tournament, asides playing a match less. Medvedev, on the other hand, has had intense matches, having played mostly four-setters, making him tide physically tired.
When, where and how to watch?
Match: Daniil Medvedev vs Rafael Nadal (US Open 2019 Final) Venue: Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, New York Time: 1.30 AM IST (Monday) Where to watch (TV): Star Sports Select 2 (Also available in HD) Where to watch (Online): Hotstar
