The US Open has been spectacular so far, with players dialing up the heat. But the weather has been an additional challenge for many this week, with New York being in the midst of a heatwave. Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev locked horns with Andrey Rublev on Wednesday for a semifinal berth. During the match, he had an ominous warning about players having to play in these severe conditions.
The weather took its toll on the players, who were battling it out when the temperatures soared to 92 degrees. Both Medvedev and Rublev were sapped of all energy, but they kept going despite it.
However, at one point during the third set, Medvedev had a few bleak words to offer to the camera. “One player is going to die, and then you’re going to see,” he spoke directly into the camera (via The Independent).
Daniil Medvedev on the conditions in his match against Andrey Rublev:
“One player is gonna die. And they’re gonna see.” pic.twitter.com/zQhXWmdGQU
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 6, 2023
Rublev put up a good resistance in the third set, but he could not overcome his compatriot. Medvedev eventually won the match in straight sets, defeating Rublev 6-4 6-3 6-4.
Following the match, Rublev was asked for a comment on Daniil’s statement. The US Open quarterfinalist said that players have to be ready for all kinds of conditions. He cited Novak Djokovic‘s example, as he played under similar conditions the day before, and won.
Andrey Rublev on Daniil Medvedev saying ‘a player is going to die’ about the conditions:
“I’m not even thinking about my health. These moments I’m thinking I need to fight.. The sport is not easy. You need to be ready for anything.. The best players prove they’re ready & that’s… pic.twitter.com/Ur0Rxemcl5
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 6, 2023
It was not just the players who were affected though. A fan reportedly collapsed during the quarterfinal clash between Marketa Vondrousova and Madison Keys. Weather is something that cannot be controlled, but the organizers can take certain preventive measures. But despite the harsh playing conditions, Daniil Medvedev emerged victorious.
Daniil Medvedev vs. Andrey Rublev match summary
Medvedev defeated his good friend Rublev to march into the semifinal. This is Medvedev’s fourth US Open semifinal in five years, and he looks to win his second major title at the Flushing Meadows. As for Rublev, he has made it to nine quarterfinals at different Slams but has lost each time.
Rublev went hard right off the bat, winning the first three points. But Medvedev bounced back and won six of the next seven games to gain a lead. Daniil has an impeccable record of 25-0, after winning the first set at Flushing Meadows.
Medvedev gets the best out of Rublev and punches his ticket to the SFs 🎟️#USOpen @DaniilMedwed pic.twitter.com/mAKNPZoLUC
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) September 6, 2023
Both players broke each other’s serve in the second set. However, Medvedev held on and eventually took the second set too.
The conditions were tough but both players kept fighting for each point. Rublev led by a break, before Daniil broke through. The final game lasted 15 minutes, and Medvedev managed to convert the match point on his fifth try.
Daniil Medvedev won the US Open in 2021, by defeating Novak in the final. He will be eyeing another final this time, as he takes on defending champion Carlos Alcaraz next. The two players will clash on September 8th.
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