Relentless Medvedev knocks out Zverev in semis, to play Sinner next

Daniil Medvedev advanced through to the final of the Australian Open for a third time after producing a dramatic comeback to beat Alexander Zverev 57 36 764 765 63 in the second semifinal clash at Rod Laver Arena on FridayWith his 27th match win in Melbourne Park Medvedev is the 13th man in the Open Era to reach the Australian Open final on three or more occasions having lost in 2021 and 2022 when he led Rafael Nadal by two setsThe script initially favoured Zverev who stormed into a 41 lead in the first set with a double break seemingly dictating the narrative However Medvedev battling the physical toll of gruelling matches refused to succumb to the Germans dominanceThe pivotal moment arrived at 55 a juncture where Medvedev fueled by an indomitable spirit fought back into contention A dramatic 51shot rally unfolded leaving spectators in awe but it was Zverev who clinched the set with a decisive winnerAs the second set commenced Zverev continued his surge securing a break at 22 and consolidating his advantage to go 42 up Unyielding in his pursuit Zverev closed out the set with clinical precision leaving Medvedev with a mountain to climb Undeterred the Russian took a strategic bathroom break at the end of the set emerging with a renewed vigour that belied the physical tollAlso ReadUnderdogs have their dayThe third set unfolded as a captivating battle with both players matching each other shot for shot The set culminated in a tiebreak a fitting conclusion to a battle marked by equality Medvedev seemingly on the brink of defeat at 31 down seized the moment as cracks appeared in Zverevs game With unwavering focus he capitalised on his opponents errors forcing a fourth set against all oddsWhat ensued was a war of attrition with Medvedev adopting a relentless baseline grind that stifled Zverevs pace The momentum had shifted and the Russian maestro took control breaking Zverev to go 32 ahead The tension mounted as they reached another tiebreak where Medvedev propelled by a remarkable forehand drop shot secured a set point and aced Zverev to force a deciderNow in the ascendancy Medvedev continued to dictate the rallies forcing errors from Zverevs racket A crucial break at 32 paved the way for Medvedev to serve out the match completing a comeback for the ages The 57 36 764 765 63 triumph catapulted Medvedev into his sixth Grand Slam final setting the stage for a showdown with the formidable Jannik SinnerWith agency inputs