Alex De Minaur’s US Open dream dashed as Daniil Medvedev prevails in epic fourth round clash

Australian tennis sensation Alex de Minaur’s US Open journey has come to an unfortunate end after losing to World No.3 seed Daniil Medvedev in the US Open fourth round.

In a gripping match under sweltering conditions at Louis Armstrong Stadium, De Minaur started off strong, taking the first set in just 33 minutes. However, it was the former champion, Medvedev, who turned the tide, securing a hard-fought 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 victory.

The battle was not without its share of drama, as Medvedev required medical attention due to apparent breathing difficulties during the first set. Despite this setback, De Minaur dominated early, going up 6-2 with a double break of serve. But Medvedev fought back tenaciously.

In the second set, De Minaur displayed his trademark determination by saving five break points in a crucial fourth game. However, Medvedev’s experience paid off as he broke serve in the 10th game to claim the set, seizing control of the match in just two hours and 40 minutes and securing his place in the quarterfinals.

A successful North American summer comes to an end ????

A gallant Alex de Minaur has been eliminated in the fourth round of the #USOpen by world No.3 Daniil Medvedev. #GoAussieshttps://t.co/hhOt4Un2A8

— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) September 5, 2023

In his post-match interview, De Minaur reflected on the loss telling reporters that the physical demand of back-to-back matches had taken its toll.

“What happened out there was nothing to do with tennis, I think it was a little bit to do with physicality. I played a lot of matches this summer without rest, it seemed to have caught up with me,” he said.

“It’s maybe the first time in my career that fitness let me down. It’s not something that happens.

“With all the matches that I played, my schedule, everything I go to this point. The small margins, small percentages are pretty big at this stage and level of competition.”

Medvedev also reflected on the high-pressure match and the “brutal” conditions in which he and De Minaur competed.

“The conditions were some of the most brutal we’ve ever played,” he told reporters.

“There was one moment where I thought I’m not going to be able to play until the end, it’s so tough. But I looked across the net and noticed he was slowing down too, so I thought okay, I can do this. Then I managed to serve much better and it changed the match.”

With De Minaur’s exit from the US Open, Australia’s representation in the singles competition comes to a close. De Minaur now shifts his focus to Australia’s campaign in the upcoming Davis Cup Finals which commence on September 12.

Entering his fourth US Open quarterfinal, Medvedev is gearing up for an exhilarating showdown against the tournament’s No. 8 seed, Andrey Rublev.