‘Djokovic will be watching,’ says Medvedev as he aims to derail Nadal history bid

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Daniil Medvedev says he expects Novak Djokovic to be tuning in on Sunday when the Russian plays Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final

Daniil Medvedev will attempt to prevent Rafael Nadal from winning a record 21st Grand Slam title when the pair clash in the Australian Open final on Sunday – and the Russian says he expects the absent Novak Djokovic to be watching closely.  

Medvedev saw off Greek fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in a tempestuous match in Melbourne to set up a final against Nadal, who had overcome Matteo Berrettini in his semifinal earlier on Friday.

Sunday’s showdown will see Nadal aiming for a record 21st Grand Slam title – which would move him one ahead of great rivals Djokovic and Roger Federer in the all-time rankings.

Medvedev, meanwhile, will be playing a fourth Grand Slam final of his career.

The Russian is the reigning US Open champion after beating Djokovic in last year’s New York final.

But Medvedev has lost his two other previous finals at Majors – first against Nadal in a five-set epic at the US Open in 2019, and then in straight sets against Djokovic in Melbourne last year.

This time round Down Under, Nadal and Medvedev can take advantage of the absence of Djokovic, whose deportation from Australia in a visa and vaccine row overshadowed the start of the tournament.

After beating Tsitsipas, Medvedev suggested Djokovic would be glued to the TV screen to watch Sunday’s final, where Nadal could surpass the Serbian great in Grand Slam crowns.

“I’m going to play again one of the greatest, and what’s funny is I’m going to play again someone going for the 21st Slam,” said Medvedev, who prevented Djokovic from reaching the landmark with his win over the Serb in New York last September.  

“So I guess last time Rafa was watching near the TV [when I played Djokovic], I don’t know who he was cheering for, and I think Novak will be watching this one in two days also.