Medvedev: 'I'm capable of more than I thought'

Daniil Medvedev prevailed in five sets for the third time in six matches at this year’s Australian Open on Friday to reach his sixth major final. The World No. 3, who defeated Emil Ruusuvuori and Hubert Hurkacz in deciding sets earlier this fortnight, rallied from two-sets-to-love down to overcome Alexander Zverev.

It is the first time Medvedev has earned three five-set victories during a major in his career and the 27-year-old is pleased and surprised with the mental toughness he has demonstrated in Melbourne.

“Mentally 100 per cent, I'm stronger than I was before this tournament because now I know that I'm capable of some things maybe I thought I'm not,” Medvedev said. “Because before I didn't do anything like this to get to the final.

“Mentally I'm stronger than before and I'm happy about it. Probably honestly, it's better to be in the final winning three-set, four-set matches. That's the better way physically. But it is what it is, and I'm proud and looking forward to the final to give 100 per cent again.”

Medvedev will face Jannik Sinner in the title match after the Italian defeated Novak Djokovic to reach his first major final. Sunday’s meeting will be the pair’s 10th Lexus ATP Head2Head clash overall. Medvedev won the first six matches but Sinner has enjoyed success recently, winning their past three battles at the end of 2023.

The 22-year-old has also won 19 of his past 20 tour-level matches.

“The three matches, all of them were tough. Two tie-breaks and two three-setters. I had my chances,” Medvedev said. “All of them were in the end of the season where I felt like I was not at 100 per cent, even if I was playing pretty good, but I was maybe at 97, 96. And against him, you need to be at 100 per cent.

“He's playing better than before. I think it started probably when he won Canada, but especially at the end of the season he started playing a whole different level. So if I want to beat him, I have to raise my level on a whole different level and I will try to do it.”

One thing Medvedev can hold onto heading into Sunday’s title match is experience. The 27-year-old, who clinched his maiden Slam trophy at the US Open in 2021, will be competing in his sixth major final and third at the Australian Open.

The 10-time tour-level champion Sinner will be playing in his maiden Slam title match.

“I hope that this experience can help me,” Medvedev said. “First final, I think it's always different for everyone. I'm sure some guys went out on the first final and felt so good and they just managed to win it. There are probably these stories.

“Some would go and it would be tough mentally and they would lose. I have no idea how Jannik is going to be, but me, I have this experience. I will try my best. I will fight for my life and let's see who wins.”