Daniil Medvedev reached eight semi-finals in 2022, hoping for a better run in the new season. Former world no. 1 is off to a great start in Adelaide, reaching the last four following a 6-3, 6-3 triumph over his compatriot Karen Khachanov. Two Russians met for the fourth time, and Medvedev earned his third victory. He sealed the deal in an hour and 17 minutes following a notable performance on serve and return that left Khachanov with no answer. Daniil hit five double faults and struggled on the second serve. Still, he defended two out of three break points and kept the pressure on the other side. Karen failed to follow that pace and gave away almost half of the points behind the initial shot. Medvedev delivered four breaks from seven opportunities to emerge at the top and set a possible semi-final clash against Novak Djokovic. Karen held at 30 in the encounter’s opening game and created two break chances in the next one.
Daniil Medvedev defeated Karen Khachanov in Adelaide.
Daniil denied them with winners and rattled off four straight points to avoid an early setback. Both players served well in the next four games to remain locked at 3-3. Medveved found his range on the return in game seven and fired a backhand down the line that clinched a break for him. Khachanov lost ground in those moments and could not prolong the set at 3-5. Medvedev broke him for the second time after a forced error to wrap up the opener 6-3 in 35 minutes. Daniil held at love at the start of the second set with a smash winner. Karen responded with a service winner a few minutes later to end his downfall and level the score at 1-1.
Khachanov created a break point in game three and seized it after the rival’s double fault to open a 2-1 gap. Karen confirmed the lead in game four, and Daniil remained within one break deficit with a fine hold in the next one. Medvedev earned break points in game six with a forehand winner and converted the first following the opponent’s backhand error for 3-3. Daniil grabbed the seventh game with a service winner, rattling off three straight games and gaining a boost. Karen saved a break point in game eight after a 30-stroke exchange and denied the second and third. Medvedev stayed in the game and converted the fourth break chance after Khachanov’s terrible forehand drive-volley. Daniil served for the triumph at 5-3 and sealed the deal with a backhand winner that pushed him into the last four.
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