Medvedev wins Russian duel against Rublev for semis spot

Thursday, 18 February 2021 03:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Russia's Daniil Medvedev in action during his quarter final match against Russia's Andrey Rublev - Reuters

MELBOURNE, (Reuters): Russian Daniil Medvedev outclassed friend and compatriot Andrey Rublev 7-5 6-3 6-2 in sweltering conditions at Melbourne Park on Wednesday to secure a spot in the Australian Open semi-finals and extend his winning streak to 19 matches.

The pair rose up through the ranks together, playing against each other on the junior circuit, and two weeks ago combined to hand Russia the ATP Cup title.

At senior level Rublev has enjoyed little success against Medvedev and Wednesday marked a fourth consecutive straight sets defeat by the 2019 US Open finalist.

Following his victory at a scorching Rod Laver Arena, Medvedev, at 25 two years Rublev’s senior, needed a massage on his left thigh before proceeding to his on-court interview and said he was cramping towards the end of a contest lasting two hours and five minutes.