January 24, (THEWILL) – Russian world number three Daniil Medvedev admitted he was “destroyed physically” after grinding past Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in five gruelling sets to reach the semi-finals of the 2024 Australian Open early on Wednesday.
The two-time Australian Open runner-up eventually tamed the big-serving Hurkacz, the ninth seed, 7-6(7/4) 2-6 6-3 5-7 6-4 after a marathon contest lasting nearly four hours at Rod Laver Arena. Medvedev reached his eighth career Grand Slam semi-finals with the win. He will face either second-seeded Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz or German sixth seed Alexander Zverev for a place in Sunday’s final.
Despite reaching the final in Melbourne the past two years, Medvedev has only won one career major title at the 2021 US Open. After his physically draining quarterfinal win, the Russian admitted: “I am so destroyed right now… I was feeling it physically at the end of the second set already.” However, through mental toughness, he managed to pull out the victory.
Hurkacz started nervous but grew into the match. After Medvedev took the first set in a tiebreaker, the Pole levelled by claiming the second set. The third and fourth sets also followed serve. Ultimately, a Hurkacz backhand error when serving at 3-3 in the deciding fifth set gave Medvedev the pivotal break he needed to seal his semifinal spot.
With his deep returns and counterpunching style, Medvedev gradually wore down Hurkacz over the five sets. He advances to face either Alcaraz or Zverev for a place in the final.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
