Australian Open: Medvedev defies stomach and back problems and is in the quarterfinals against Auger-Aliassime

Medvedev also had to have his back treated, but fought through. The Russian has dropped a set for the second time in the tournament so far (the first against Nick Kyrgios in round two).

Medvedev was not as dominant against Cressy as he was for long stretches of the 2021 season. The world number 70. With his aggressive serve-and-volley style (135 net attacks), Medvedev also repeatedly forced quick decisions. In this way he increased the Russian’s error rate, but ultimately did not bring him down.

“It was very close today,” said Medvedev: “I’m glad I’m through.” During the game, the 25-year-old complained again and again, quarreling with everything and everyone.

Australian Open

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Among other things, he demanded that he be allowed to change his sweaty clothes in the shade in the changing room when the temperature was around 35 degrees – which he was not allowed to do in view of the new “toilet rule” after a break had already been taken.

Round of 16: Medvedev survives tricky scenes against Cressy – highlights

Medvedev complains about everything

He later accused referee Renaud Lichtenstein (France) of activating Cressy’s so-called “shot clock” too late. He also loudly complained about Cressy’s outrageous luck with frame hits, according to Medvedev.

“I freaking can’t go pee!” Medvedev launches a tirade

Afterwards he gave Eurosport-Interview but to have covered with it. Medvedev explained that he was trying to get inside Cressy’s head. In retrospect, however, he was “not happy” with what he launched during the match.

Medvedev admits: “Got a little crazy”

Cressy, before the Australian Open already in the final of the ATP tournament in Melbourne (Loss to Rafael Nadal) was the last unseeded player in the men’s field after Miomir Kecmanovic (Serbia) and Adrian Mannarino (France) were eliminated on Sunday.

In the quarter-finals, 24-year-old Moscow Medvedev meets “Tiebreak King” Félix Auger-Aliassime (Canada/No. 9), who defeated former US Open winner Marin Cilic (Croatia/No. 27) after a false start 2: 6, defeated 7-6 (9-7), 6-2, 7-6 (7-4). It’s a replay of the 2021 US Open semifinals where Medvedev won his first Grand Slam title.

Australian Open 2022: Results Men’s Singles

Two Canadians in the quarterfinals

Auger-Aliassime had defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7: 6, 6: 7, 7: 6, 7: 6 in the second round and now won two more tiebreaks against the Croatian. This is the first time that two Canadians are in the last eight in Melbourne at the same time.

Round of 16: Auger-Aliassime wins nerve-racking against Cilic – highlights

Auger-Aliassime followed his buddy Denis Shapovalov by winning a 3:35 hour match in the heat knocked out German number one Alexander Zverev (Hamburg/No. 3) on Sunday.

The ninth in the world rankings has also been working with Toni Nadal, the uncle of Grand Slam record champion Rafael Nadal, since April last year and is playing more and more successfully. Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov also played a key role in the Canadians’ triumph at the ATP Cup in preparation for the Australian Open.

Borderline heat: tennis stars suffer in Melbourne

Medvedev on the way to number one?

After the expulsion of world number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic and Zverev’s surprising knockout round against Shapovalov, US Open winner Medvedev is the top favorite in Melbourne.

However, the Spaniard Rafael Nadal wants to challenge the Russian for the title and, with his 21st triumph in a Grand Slam tournament, become the sole record holder ahead of Djokovic and Roger Federer (missing injured in Melbourne).

“He’ll get it!” Medvedev spectacularly fends off set ball

The previous performances of the top ten players Matteo Berrettini (Italy) and Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece) should not be despised. Shapovalov is also considered outsider chances after his victory over Zverev.

The Australian Open 2022 live on free TV on Eurosport 1 and all games on Eurosport with Joyn+!

The favorite is and remains Medvedev, who was top seeded due to the involuntary absence of last year’s title holder Djokovic, who could also take the lead in the world rankings with a tournament win in Melbourne.

Last September, Medvedev had one Final victory over Djokovic in New York secured the first major title of his career – now he is aiming for the double.

McEnroe criticizes Medvedev technically: “He is too far behind”