ATP Finals: Medvedev rebounds with victory over Minaur in second group stage match

Russian star Daniil Medvedev delivered a solid performance to overcome Australian Alex de Minaur in the ATP Finals men’s singles on Tuesday. The fourth seed triumphed over De Minaur with a score of 6-2, 6-4 in their group-stage match. The 2020 ATP Finals champion showcased his resilience, extending his record against De Minaur to seven wins and three losses.

Medvedev didn’t face a single break point and hit 24 winners, outclassing De Minaur’s 10. Reflecting on his approach, he stated, “I went into this match blocking the noise, even from myself. I really didn’t care what was happening on the court; I just tried to play, and it was a good feeling. Sometimes it’s good to block out distractions, and I did that well today.”

Medvedev, still recovering mentally after a recent loss to Taylor Fritz, added, “After the last match, I was too tired mentally to fight the way I usually do. So I just went into the match trying to hit some shots and even thinking ahead to next year. It worked well, so I’m okay with it.”

De Minaur’s loss has dealt a significant blow to his hopes of reaching the knockout stage in his ATP Finals debut. The 25-year-old now faces Fritz in his final group-stage match, having lost both previous matches.

In other matches, German Alexander Zverev began his quest for a third ATP Finals trophy by defeating Andrey Rublev on Tuesday morning. The second seed overcame Rublev 6-4, 6-4 in the John Newcombe Group, marking his tour-leading 67th win of 2024. Zverev, a 2018 and 2021 champion, took control, securing victory in 72 minutes. “I thought it was a very solid match from my end,” Zverev remarked. “Against anyone here, you have to play your best to have a chance. I felt like I did that today, used my chances well, and I’m obviously happy with this win.”

This season marks the first time since 2001 that none of the “Big Three” — Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, or Roger Federer — are competing in the ATP Finals. Zverev acknowledged the changing landscape, commenting, “The attention was on Carlos [Alcaraz] and Jannik [Sinner] all year, and they deserve it — each won two Grand Slams. It’s normal in sports; at some point, legends retire, and new players emerge. Jannik and Carlos are setting the benchmark, even though I’m No. 2 in the world.”

Zverev, now with a 7-3 record against Rublev, will next face Casper Ruud, who earlier defeated third-seed and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in an upset in the John Newcombe Group.