The phenomenal performance of Russia’s first racket Daniil Medvedev caused a strong reaction from the Western media, many of whom were expecting a confrontation between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic in the final. Nevertheless, this did not stop them from recognizing the greatness of the Russian and giving him a lot of compliments.

“Medvedev had other plans”

The Spanish tennis player, ranked number one in the rankings, was considered the undisputed favorite before the match with Medvedev. Alcaraz won the US Open last year and has looked very confident overall this season. Many experts described him as a player with no weaknesses. However, the Russian also had something to offer. Daniil won the US Open in 2021 and is generally considered a hard court specialist. So those in the know understood that it would not be so easy for the Spaniard.

As a result, Medvedev put on a great show, in which, if Alcaraz had any chances, they were extremely low. The Western press, to its credit, appreciated the Russian’s efforts. Most foreign media put Daniel’s victory on the main page, and in the description of this confrontation there was not a word about politics. At least when it comes to major media outlets.

— On Friday night, it was the Russian who was on the horse and winning the wild balls. Medvedev calmed down and played calm, consistent tennis, while Alcaraz was more agitated than usual. The most important thing for Medvedev seemed to be to demonstrate that he could still beat someone like Alcaraz while playing his usual style in the back of the court. Medvedev needed this victory to maintain his place at the top of the sport and keep up with Alcaraz. But he knows it was just a semi-final. “On Sunday we will have an even bigger match and a more impressive opponent in Novak Djokovic,” wrote Tennis.com columnist Steve Tignor.

— Carlos Alcaraz’s reign as US Open champion ended with Daniil Medvedev. Medvedev regained his composure in a tense finish to win with a fourth match point and a thrilling contest that brought much of the 24,000-strong Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd to its feet, noted BBC Sport writer Jonathan Jureiko.

— From the moment world number one Carlos Alcaraz lifted the Wimbledon trophy after defeating Novak Djokovic in an epic five-set thriller in July, tennis fans have been calling for a rematch in New York. And for much of the last two weeks, their meeting in Sunday’s US Open final seemed inevitable. But 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev had other plans, ending the 20-year-old’s run to a second straight US Open title. The 27-year-old Russian looked calm and impassive throughout Friday’s match, even in a tense third set, ESPN’s Alyssa Roenick wrote.

Daniil Medvedev / Photo: © Sarah Stier / Staff / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

“Daniel was wonderful”

Some media representatives even admitted that they were rooting for Medvedev in this semi-final. In particular, Australian tennis player Daria Saville (Gavrilova) spoke in a similar vein, and journalist Rob Koenig expressed the opinion that athletes from Russia should in no case be underestimated.

— Never write off Russians. Especially at the US Open! It was a tactical master class from Medvedev,” Koenig noted.

“I didn’t want this match to end at all.” Medvedev was wonderful! “I was rooting for him all the time,” former Russian tennis player Daria Saville, who plays for Australia, wrote on social networks.

— I would like to congratulate Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev. We all have a great final ahead of us,” said tennis legend Billie Jean King.

— Medvedev did not allow Alcaraz to organize the final against Djokovic. The Russian put an end to the Spaniard’s dominance with a stunning victory, noted Sky Sports.

As you can imagine, the Russian caused a very positive reaction with his performance in America this year. Foreign publications in unison declared their sympathies for Medvedev. Daniil has already achieved a lot at the 2023 US Open, but for complete triumph he needs one more step.