Tennis spared nightmare thanks to Daniil Medvedev's epic win over Alexander Zverev

Daniil Medvedev fought back from two sets down to beat Alexander Zverev – Getty Images/David Gray

“I feel like everyone is thinking the same right now,” Russia’s Daria Kasatkina posted on social media, just as her compatriot Daniil Medvedev defeated Alexander Zverev to complete one of the most unlikely comebacks at the Australian Open.

Zverev was just two points away from progressing to the final in Melbourne, but Medvedev stormed back from two sets down to snatch victory from his grasp. With it, he blocked any chance of Zverev being crowned tennis’s problematic new champion, as the German is due to face trial on domestic abuse charges this May.

While world No 13 Kasatkina appeared to revel in Zverev’s demise, tennis executives were undoubtedly feeling sweet relief, as it meant avoiding a potentially awkward photo call at Sunday’s trophy ceremony.

Zverev’s stellar run to the semi-final has contrasted with the news, which broke last week, that he will face court proceedings this spring back in Germany, over allegations of domestic abuse which he firmly denies.

With every match he won in Melbourne, it raised questions about the ATP’s slow progress on a domestic violence policy which they first began consulting on in 2021 but has yet to materialise. A chance of him clinching one of the sport’s most prestigious titles would only add fuel to that fire.

But Medvedev put an end to those concerns – for now – and his thoughts post-match were more likely focused on how on earth he had dug his way out of the deepest of holes. But champions rise to the occasion, and former US Open winner Medvedev did just that.

After being dominated by Zverev for the best part of three sets, Medvedev somehow found the energy to lift his level and throw his opponent off course to win 5-7 3-6 7-6 7-6 6-3. “Sometimes you need to be lucky, and today was my day,” Medvedev put it simply, after his mammoth effort.

Zverev was superb for three sets in Melbourne – Getty Images/Shi Tang

This was the second time in Zverev’s career that he has lost after taking a two-set lead. The first time was at the US Open final, and this loss will sting almost as much.

Afterwards he blamed a pre-match illness and his physical condition with letting him down, and said the questions surrounding his upcoming trial had not impacted his focus in Melbourne. “No, because I have said it before: Anyone who has a semi-decent IQ level understands what’s going on,” he told reporters. “I hope that most of you guys do. I’m fine with it.”

For Medvedev, this was a redemption of sorts, as two years ago he infamously blew a two-set lead in the final in Melbourne, losing to a resurgent Rafael Nadal. He later said his dreams died on Rod Laver Arena, but they were very much revived on Friday night as he reached the sixth major final of his career.

It was just the third time – and second time this tournament – Medvedev had recovered from going two sets down. At this stage of a major and against this calibre of opponent – the world No 6 – it was just about the most unlikely win he had ever pulled off. Not since Marcos Baghdatis in 2006 had a man come back from a two-set deficit to win a semi-final in Melbourne.

It is safe to say that third seed Medvedev has firmly wormed his way into Zverev’s head. This was their 19th meeting on tour, but their first at a major event. Medvedev leads the head-to-head 12-7 now, and has won six of their last seven matches.

Fortune favours the brave, and luck was on Medvedev’s racket when he shanked a return at 5-5 in the fourth set tiebreak, only to see the ball float over the net like an audaciously well-executed drop shot. Zverev could hardly believe it, but Medvedev’s cool ace on the next point pushed this dramatic match to five sets and that proved to be the moment that broke Zverev’s spirit.

There had been tension between the pair during the match. As is his way, Medvedev used a few dark arts – including asking to watch a replay of a call late in the third set, in an attempt to hinder Zverev’s rhythm. Zverev had mostly dealt with it well, but after Medvedev evened the match up at 2-2 the German’s resolve crumbled.

As the match went into its fifth hour, Medvedev finally took the lead. Zverev had his first horrible service game, sending an easy volley wide, and hacked the net with his racket. He received a warning for his conduct, and Medvedev broke him a couple of points later. The match was on his racket finally, and Medvedev would not let his opportunity slip.

The turnaround was all the more remarkable as, for nearly three sets, Zverev had been firmly in control. “If your drop shot isn’t perfect, I’m going to win the tournament,” Medvedev had warned earlier this week and, as the Russian stood near the back of the Rod Laver Arena to receive, Zverev seemed to take those words as a direct challenge.

Medvedev played mesmerising tennis in the closing three set to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat – Getty Images/Cameron Spencer

His sublime net play destroyed Medvedev’s defensive game plan, and put him on course to reach his second ever major final. These men are usually players that grind down opponents from the baseline, but Zverev did not want Medvedev to get comfortable at the back of the court. He charged to the net 75 times and won nearly 75 per cent of those points, but he wavered in that tactic as the match went on.

Meanwhile, Medvedev went from looking leggy in the early stages to growing into form. They had both spent more than 16 hours on court throughout the gruelling previous rounds at this tournament, but he only got better as the match wore on.

As a man with experience of winning a grand slam event, Medvedev is now the favourite as he heads into Sunday’s final against rookie Jannik Sinner. Spending 20 hours and 33 minutes on court so far this fortnight might impact Medvedev’s ability to compete. On Friday’s evidence though, Sinner will have to throw the kitchen sink at him.

Medvedev’s epic comeback: as it happened

02:01 PM GMT

Australian Open men’s final – Sinner vs Medvedev

Everything you need to know about Sunday’s men’s final is right here.

01:53 PM GMT

More from Medvedev

I have never made it that tough and I’m happy about it. Before, my statistic on five set matches was not that good and physically and mentally it’s tough. Many times in the fifth I was not strong enough, so I’m happy.

One month ago I wanted to change a little and be strong mentally. I try to focus more, but I am far from being perfect.

01:48 PM GMT

Medvedev reacts

At one moment in the third set I felt I was tired physically and looking at him I didn’t feel it. I can’t run any more for 40-shot rallies like we did in the first set so told myself to be more aggressive and if it doesn’t work out I tried.

It started working and I started to make better shots, and serve a lot better.

The tie-break was pretty unbelievable at 5-5 but that’s tennis. The dropshot with a backspin was not really intentional. Sometimes you need to be lucky and today’s my day.

01:33 PM GMT

A reminder…

… Zverev was leading 7-5, 6-3, 4-3 and 0-30 up on the Medvedev serve. But he could get over the line. His wait for a grand slam goes on.

Alexander Zverev was disconsolate after his defeat – Getty Images/William West

01:27 PM GMT

Nick Kyrgios reacts

Medvedev deserves it, what an absolute battle that was. He had everyone on the edge of their seats. What an experience. That’s the Daniil Medvedev show. It’s going to be an absolute ripper – Daniil Medvedev v Jannik Sinner for the Australian Open crown. I can’t wait.

I know it’s extremely hard but Zverev has to be so positive. If you look at the tournament, he gave the crowd an amazing time for these two weeks, took out one of our best talents in Carlos Alcaraz. He walks away with a loss tonight but his performance was so solid.

There were a couple of points in it. Zverev is feeling so angry and disappointed but it won’t be his last semi-final, I’m sure. He had so many opportunities tonight, two sets to love up, and even in the third he could’ve been more aggressive. I don’t know what it is, but this is another chapter of their rivalry. They’ve played 19 times but this was the first time in a Major.

Medvedev is one of my favourite players for a reason. He doesn’t lie down. People say ‘play this way, play that way’, but he doesn’t care. He does it his way.

Daniil Medvedev celebrates victory against Alexander Zverev – Getty Images/Martin Keep

Watch every moment of the Australian Open live and exclusive on discovery+ and Eurosport

01:18 PM GMT

Social media reaction

01:12 PM GMT

WATCH: How Medvedev reached the final

01:06 PM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 6-7, 3-6 Medvedev

Zverev is unravelling here. Two forehand errors and it’s 0-30. Zverev opts to change his racket. Will that help him?

Maybe! He hits a backhand winner with his new racket, 15-30. Then he catches the line with a brilliant forehand winner down the line, 30-30.

Backhand from Zverev goes long, 30-40. Match point Medvedev. GAME SET MATCH MEDVEDEV!! Zverev forehand hits the net cord and the ball flies wide.

01:02 PM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 6-7, 3-5 Medvedev

Zverev lets Medvedev off the hook with a forehand that flies wide then a forehand into the net, 30-15. As the clock ticks to midnight in Melbourne, two backhand errors from Medvedev and Zverev holds.

He’s a game away now.

12:58 PM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 6-7, 3-4 Medvedev*

Strong hold from Zverev to keep his dreams alive but he is running out of time…

12:55 PM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 6-7, 2-4 Medvedev

What can Zverev do to fight back now? He forces Medvedev to 30-all but then he overcooks a forehand down the line. That was the pressure there.

Medvedev drags Zverev to the net with a drop shot, he gets there and makes Medvedev have to pass him, the ball is on Zverev’s racket but he nets the volley.

Agony for Zverev. Delight for Medvedev, who consolidates the break.

12:50 PM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 6-7, 2-3 Medvedev*

Tired forehand from Zverev into the tramlines, 15-30. Good first serve by Zverev, high defensive backhand by Medvedev, it should be an easy volley by Zverev but he puts the ball wide. He then takes out his frustration on the net and gets a code violation, two break points.

Zverev saves the first. Then the second. He moves forward with conviction and finishes with a volley winner. That meant a lot to him. Deuce.

Oh my goodness. Medvedev finds the line with an outrageous backhand winner, break point. Zverev forehand into the net and Medvedev breaks.

Wow.

Russia’s Daniil Medvedev (L) changes court side with Germany’s Alexander Zverev – Getty Images/Anthony Wallace

12:45 PM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 6-7, 2-2 Medvedev

You get the slight sense that Medvedev is the stronger man physically at this stage. There’s a stern look on his face. He’s back in the match and can see the finish line.

He holds to 15 when Zverev tamely nets a backhand.

12:42 PM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 6-7, 2-1 Medvedev*

A backhand winner to start the game and an ace to finish gives Zverev a service hold to 15.

The German will not want another tie break. He needs to find a way to break Medvedev like he did in the first two sets.

12:37 PM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 6-7, 1-1 Medvedev

Medvedev continues his momentum on serve with a hold to 15. He looks energised considering we are nearly four hours into the match.

12:35 PM GMT

Fifth set: Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 6-7, 1-0 Medvedev*

What must Zverev be thinking now? He was so close to winning this match but Medvedev has dragged him into a deciding set.

In fairness to Zverev, he holds to love to start the set.

12:28 PM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 6-7 Medvedev – TIE BREAK

Zverev keeps his head and hits a drive backhand volley, 4-3. Big first serve followed by a forehand winner from Medvedev, 4-4. Medvedev double fault, 5-4. Wow. That’s his first since five in the opening set. What a time for it.

Tentative point by Zverev, Medvedev senses it, goes on the attack and finishes with a forehand winner, 5-5. Big first serve by Zverev, Medvedev hits a sliced blocked return which Zverev doesn’t read in time, 5-6.

MEDVEDEV ACE TO WIN THE SET, 5-7.

12:23 PM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 6-6 Medvedev – TIE BREAK

Defensive backhand by Medvedev goes wide, 0-1. 211km/h ace down the T from Zverev, 1-1. Medvedev backhand long, 2-1. Zverev volley winner, 2-2.

World class backhand down the line by Medvedev, 2-3. Zverev forehand volley winner, 3-3.

12:19 PM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 6-6 Medvedev

Zverev backhand winner to open the game. Medvedev demands to see a replay of the shot. It takes a while to come. Zverev is unhappy and says Medvedev knows the ball was long. Kyrgios reckons Medvedev is trying to disrupt Zverev’s rhythm.

But Zverev keeps his cool and serves out the game to love and take this set into a tie break.

12:14 PM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 5-6 Medvedev

Medvedev continues to hammer down the first serves and Zverev can’t make an impression on these service games.

Zverev will be serving next to force a tie break.

12:11 PM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 5-5 Medvedev*

Serving to stay in the set, Zverev moves to 30-0 with a forehand winner. And he holds to 15 with a volley winner.

Looking increasingly likely that we will get another tiebreak.

12:06 PM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 4-5 Medvedev

Medvedev is under the cosh now after two backhand errors, 0-30. Great fight back from Medvedev to move ahead in the game and he holds when his backhand down the line is too much for Zverev.

12:03 PM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 4-4 Medvedev*

Nervy looking backhand into the tramlines by Zverev, 15-30. Wow. Outrageous backhand volley winner by Medvedev, break point.

Zverev finds his first serve and Medvedev can’t get the ball back into play, deuce.

Oh my goodness. Swing and miss from Zverev as he tries to meet a high Medvedev lob and the ball lands in behind him. How costly could that be? Break point. Big first serve for Zverev to see off the danger.

Zverev finds his serve again and Medvedev’s return is wide. On we go!

11:54 AM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 3-4 Medvedev

Frustration for Zverev as he fails once again to make a dent on the Medvedev serve. We are moving quickly towards the business end of the set.

11:53 AM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 3-3 Medvedev*

For such a big man, Zverev can really shift and he shows exceptional foot speed to hunt down a Medvedev drop shot and flick a forehand over the net that bounces on the baseline, 40-15.

Zverev holds again after Medvedev’s backhand on the stretch goes long.

11:48 AM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 2-3 Medvedev

First point against the serve in this set goes to Zverev after a forehand error from Medvedev, 0-15. But as we enter the third hour of the match Medvedev holds when Zverev’s return goes long.

11:45 AM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 2-2 Medvedev*

Four love holds in a row to start the fourth set. Only five returns have been put back into play.

Alexander Zverev prepares to serve – Getty Images/Anthony Wallace

11:41 AM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 1-2 Medvedev

Back-to-back love holds for Medvedev in this set after four forehand errors from Zverev.

11:40 AM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 1-1 Medvedev*

Credit to Zverev. He responds with a love hold of his own. Both players want to end points quickly and are relying on their first serve to do it.

11:37 AM GMT

Fourth set: Zverev* 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 0-1 Medvedev

Four first serves and a service hold to love in 51 seconds. Medvedev is rolling here.

11:33 AM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 6-7 Medvedev – TIE BREAK

Big Medvedev serve down the T is unreturned, 3-4. Medvedev makes Zverev play the extra ball but the German keeps his head and finishes with an overhead winner, 4-4.

Zverev slices a defensive backhand into the net, 4-5. Zverev forehand into the net, 4-6. Two set points for Medvedev.

And after 61 minutes, Zverev pushes a backhand long and Medvedev is well and truly back into this, 4-7.

11:29 AM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 6-6 Medvedev – TIE BREAK

Brilliant forehand return by Medvedev is too hot for Zverev, 0-1. Medvedev backhand into the net, 1-1. Lovely volley by Medvedev, 1-2.

Medvedev backhand down the line, very makeable volley for Zverev but he nets, 1-3. That was nerves. Medvedev backhand goes just wide, 2-3. Uncharacteristically poor backhand from Medvedev goes into the net, 3-3.

11:25 AM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 6-3, 6-6 Medvedev

Ace from Medvedev to start a must-win game. Defensive backhand from Medvedev goes high and Zverev should have an easy drive forehand winner but he sends the ball long, 30-0.

Drop shot winner from Medvedev, 40-0. Zverev return into the net. Tie break time folks!

11:22 AM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 6-5 Medvedev*

Zverev does what he needs to do and holds to 15 and books himself at least a tie break. If he wins the next game, he wins the match…

11:17 AM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 6-3, 5-5 Medvedev

Serving to stay in the match, Medvedev hits a backhand winner and ace to move to 40-0. And he keeps his dreams alive with a good first serve that Zverev can’t return.

11:14 AM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 5-4 Medvedev*

Tight forward into the net by Zverev, 30-30. He responds to the moment by finding his first serve which is unreturned, 40-30. But then he hits a double fault, deuce.

Point of the match. Has Medvedev arrived. 20 shot rally, incredible hustle by the Russian, going back to front and whipping a forehand in the corner for a winner. Zverev is down. Break point.

The ball sits up nice for Medvedev but he overhits and the ball goes wide, deuce. Ace by Zverev to finish. Amazing hold.

He’s now a game away from the final.

11:05 AM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 6-3, 4-4 Medvedev

Zverev starts the game strongly, taking control of the rally and finishing with a backhand winner, 0-15. Tired looking backhand into the net, 0-30. How much has he got left?

Well he responds to his situation with an ace. Then Zverev puts a forehand just long, 30-30. Huge cross court forehand winner from Medvedev and he sees out the game with a lovely drop volley winner.

Credit to the Russian.

11:00 AM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 4-3 Medvedev*

Nick Kyrgios sounds in awe of the serving at the moment. Zverev holds to love again. He’s lost just four points on serve in this set.

10:59 AM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 6-3, 3-3 Medvedev

Serving masterclass from both players at the moment. Two aces from Medvedev and he holds to 15.

Daniil Medvedev in action against Alexander Zverev – Getty Images

10:58 AM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 3-2 Medvedev*

Ace from Zverev to hold to love.

10:55 AM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 6-3, 2-2 Medvedev

Medvedev rattles through another service hold. He playing better but needs to do more if he wants to break Zverev and force a way back into the match.

10:53 AM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 2-1 Medvedev*

Medvedev applies the pressure on Zverev’s serve and earns a break point but he can’t capitalise. Two forehand errors by the Russian and Zverev survives that scare.

10:48 AM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 6-3, 1-1 Medvedev

Two backhand winners and a forehand winner from Medvedev as he holds to love.

10:46 AM GMT

Third set: Zverev 7-5, 6-3, 1-0 Medvedev*

Might win set for Medvedev of course. But Zverev keeps his momentum by holding to love.

10:31 AM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 6-3 Medvedev

There’s been a lot to like about the way Zverev has played in this set. He’s got the balance right and now has two set points.

Medvedev saves the first with a forehand winner, 30-40. But not the second. Medvedev fires a forehand into the tramlines and Zverev is a set away from the final.

10:29 AM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 5-3 Medvedev*

Zverev is starting to punish Medvedev for his deep returning position. He’s finishing the points earlier and at the net while Medvedev runs around at the baseline.

Zverev moves a game away from a two-set lead with a hold to 30.

10:22 AM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 4-3 Medvedev

Rare routine service holds for Medvedev as he gets the job done to love in 83 seconds.

Daniil Medvedev reacts – Reuters/Ciro De Luca

10:20 AM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 4-2 Medvedev*

Zverev is being rewarded for his willingness to take risks and be aggressive. Medvedev seems happy to grind but it is not working for him at the moment.

Overhead smash winner makes it 40-15 and he consolidates the break when Medvedev’s backhand goes wide.

10:14 AM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 3-2 Medvedev

Medvedev forehand long, 15-30. Zverev forehand winner brings up two break points. Medvedev saves the first. Then the second with an ace. That’s clutch tennis at a crucial moment.

But beautiful ball striking by Zverev and he blasts a backhand down the line for a winner, break point. Both players lock in, not wanting to make the errors then Medvedev comes up with an audacious drop shot winner, deuce.

Third break chance for Zverev after Medvedev can’t react quick enough at the net and sends a backhand long. Great Zverev forehand approach, Medvedev puts up a decent lob but the ball travels wide and Zverev breaks.

10:07 AM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 2-2 Medvedev*

Just as I was praising Zverev’s net game today, he puts a backhand volley wide and slips to 0-30. But to his credit, he pulls it back to 30-all.

Medvedev isn’t getting enough depth on his returns and Zverev moves to 40-30 with an overhead winner. Medvedev forehand into the net and Zverev holds.

10:03 AM GMT

Zverev* 7-5, 1-2 Medvedev

Despite being ahead in the match, Zverev is not happy about something and is moaning to his support box. He glances at them again after going for too much with a forehand and the ball lands in the tramlines.

Bit of a lull in the match after the drama at the end of the first set.

09:59 AM GMT

Zverev 7-5, 1-1 Medvedev*

Zverev is starting to grow in confidence at the net. He’s shown a lot more willingness to come forward and finish the points early. Medvedev backhand into the net and Zverev holds.

09:54 AM GMT

Second set: Zverev* 7-5, 0-1 Medvedev

You have to wonder how much that set will have taken out of the players. That was exhausting just to watch.

Medvedev slips to 0-30 down after a couple of errors. And must now save a break point after a deep forehand by Zverev is too hot to handle. Let off for Medvedev after 21 shots when Zverev’s forehand lands in the tramlines, deuce.

And he survives that scare to hold serve.

09:46 AM GMT

Zverev 7-5 Medvedev*

Medvedev slips to 30-0 but three unforced error by Zverev gives him a break point.

Zverev gets more height and depth on his shots and Medvedev mis-hits a forehand long, deuce. Oh wow. A FORTY SHOT rally. Zverev senses the opportunity to come forward but incredibly nets what should have been an easy volley. Break point Medvedev.

Better from Zverev as he comes forward again and this time puts away a high volley winner, deuce.

My legs hurt watching this and I’m not even playing. Another jaw-dropping rally. FIFTY ONE SHOT RALLY ends with an incredible pick up on the half volley by Zverev. Set point.

Great hands again at the net from Zverev and he finishes the 58-minute set with a volley winner.

09:36 AM GMT

Zverev* 6-5 Medvedev

Medvedev is doing a very good job of playing into Zverev’s forehand with little pace. Zverev is having to generate the speed and the mistakes are beginning to flow. Another forehand into the net by him makes it 30-30.

Brutal exchange and this time Medvedev blinks first to give Zverev a break point opportunity.

Zverev’s return clips the net, Medvedev chases the ball down and whips a forehand into the corner but Zverev is there to meet and lift a delicate lob over Medvedev and into the open court.

I don’t think Zverev struck that lob cleanly but he won’t care. He will serve for the set next.

Alexander Zverev reacts – Getty Images/Martin Keep

09:29 AM GMT

Zverev 5-5 Medvedev*

The match is becoming very physical. Neither player taking too many risks. Happy to rally down the middle and wait for the mistake.

A forehand long by Zverev makes it 30-all. Longest rally of the match, dominated by backhands, 34 shots, incredible patience and Zverev blinks first when he puts a forehand into the tramlines. Break point.

Another Zverev forehand error and Medvedev breaks back.

09:22 AM GMT

Zverev* 5-4 Medvedev

Medvedev holds to 30 with an ace and forces Zverev to serve for the set.

09:19 AM GMT

Zverev 5-3 Medvedev*

Back-to-back aces from Zverev but he follows that up with a forehand into the net, 30-30. Big point coming up.

Point of the match so far. Zverev stays patient, dragging Medvedev left and right before finishing with an overhead winner, 40-30.

Forehand long by Zverev makes it deuce. But a first serve down the T swings away from Medvedev for an ace and Zverev maintains his lead.

Daniil Medvedev returns to Alexander Zverev – Getty Images/Paul Crock

09:11 AM GMT

Zverev* 4-3 Medvedev

Medvedev has come alive. He is starting to dictate the points now and move Zverev around. The German has been struggling with blisters on his feet so he won’t want to play too many long points.

Medvedev holds to 30.

09:08 AM GMT

Zverev 4-2 Medvedev*

First backhand-to-backhand exchange between the two players and Zverev comes out on top when Medvedev nets, 15-30. Zverev forehand into the net after being stretched out wide, two break points.

Zverev saves the first but not the second when he strikes a forehand well long. That will offer Medvedev some encouragement.

09:03 AM GMT

Zverev* 4-1 Medvedev

This has been a fabulous start by Zverev. Picking up right where he left off against Alcaraz on Wednesday. For Medvedev, he is having a nightmare and he serves another double fault to hand Zverev two break points.

Wow. Another double fault by Medvedev and Zverev has gets the double break. This set is slipping away very fast.

Alexander Zverev hits a return – Getty Images/David Gray

08:58 AM GMT

Zverev 3-1 Medvedev*

Medvedev is sticking by his decision to stand miles behind the baseline but it is not working so far. Zverev has been getting cheap points and moves to 40-15 with a forehand winner.

He backs up the break when Medvedev fails to get his backhand return into play.

08:54 AM GMT

Zverev* 2-1 Medvedev

Two double faults and a forehand into the net puts Medvedev in a 0-40 hole. And Zverev takes full advantage, driving a backhand cross court and Medvedev can’t get the ball back into play.

Very strange game from Medvedvev but Zverev won’t care because he’s broken serve.

08:52 AM GMT

Zverev 1-1 Medvedev*

Medvedev is standing at least 16 feet behind the baseline to return Zverev’s serve. That’s absurd. If he’s going to do that, Zverev should serve and volley as often as he can. But the German isn’t the most comfortable at the net.

Zverev follows Medvedev by holding serve to love.

08:49 AM GMT

First set: Alexander Zverev* 0-1 Daniil Medvedev

Two winners and an ace from Medvedev to start the match and he holds to love in 71 seconds when Zverev hits a forehand long.

That’s what they call a fast start!

08:44 AM GMT

Here we go!

Zverev and Medvedev walk onto court to play for a place in the Australian Open men’s final.

I think Medvedev got the better reception but Zverev was well received by the crowd on Rod Laver Arena.

Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev pose for a picture before their semi final match – Reuters/Eloisa Lopez

08:37 AM GMT

STAT: Zverev won’t want to be chasing the match against Medvedev

08:32 AM GMT

John McEnroe on Zverev

He should’ve won a Grand Slam already. He was up two sets and a break against Thiem at the US Open and should’ve won that. He served for the match in the fifth set but his nerves went. That was unfortunate. There is a guy by the name of Djokovic and Nadal that have prevented him from winning one so far and have got in the way.

When Zverev played Nadal at the French in 2022, it looked like he believed that maybe he could actually beat Rafa at the French Open. The only thing as tough as that is beating Novak Djokovic in Melbourne at the Australian Open. I believe he was very close but that injury set him back a year and a half. He’s finally back in the mix but while that’s been going on, other guys have stepped up. Djokovic is better than ever. Alcaraz has come along, Sinner is better, Medvedev is an obstacle. It hasn’t got easier, it’s got harder.”

Watch every moment of the Australian Open live and exclusive on discovery+ and Eurosport

08:25 AM GMT

Alexander Zverev’s Australian Open run is nightmare for tennis

By Molly McElwee

On Friday, Olympic champion Zverev will compete for a place in the Australian Open final. His progress at this event has brought to life the nightmare scenario that tennis executives have been dreading.

Last week news broke that world No 6 will face a public trial in Germany this coming May on allegations of domestic violence. It is the latest in a series of claims laid against Zverev, all of which he has consistently denied.

In the event he goes on to win the title on Sunday, his off-court situation will escalate into a full-blown PR disaster for the ATP and Tennis Australia. Regardless, his run in Melbourne has brought tennis’s lack of a domestic-violence policy into sharp focus.

Read more here.

08:21 AM GMT

Djokovic is OUT

Novak Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th grand slam singles title was ended by a 6-1, 6-2, 6-7(6), 6-3 loss to Italian Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.

The Serbian had been hoping to claim the record for most grand slam singles titles outright after sharing it with Australian Margaret Court since winning his 24th major at the U.S. Open last September.

But his bid was ended thanks to an imperious effort from world No 4 Sinner.

Read Simon Briggs’ report here.

08:15 AM GMT

Australian Open betting offers and free bets

Having a bet on the tennis? First take a look at these Australian Open betting offers for the best free bets.

08:03 AM GMT

Australian Open men’s semi-final

Good morning and welcome to coverage of the second Australian Open men’s semi-final between Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev.

And following the result of the first semi-final, this is a seize-the-moment opportunity for both players.

Zverev enters the match against the backdrop of domestic violence allegations, all of which he has consistently denied. It would create an awkward moment for the sport should the German go on to win the tournament.

On the court, Zverev took out world No 2 Carlos Alcaraz in four sets on Wednesday, his first win over a top-five opponent at a major. To reach Sunday’s final he will need to do it again by defeating Medvedev but he lost five of their six meetings last year.

“A lot of matches were extremely close,” he said. “You know, a lot of the times it came down to, you know, him being extremely confident last year, him playing some of the best tennis of his life, and me coming back from injury and not having, you know, the confidence in deciding moments and not being able to finish matches.

“That’s what it came down to in Indian Wells, that’s what it came down to in Monte-Carlo, as well.

“But yeah, he’s obviously extremely difficult to play. No question about it. He’s one of the best players in the world right now.

“But obviously I’m happy in the position I am in, and I’m going to do everything I can to win that match on Friday.”

For Medvedev, he is desperate to set up a chance at winning a second grand slam and says he enjoys the quieter atmosphere as the tournament enters the closing stages.

“I always like ending of the tournaments because maybe my first final on ATP Tour or second, you’re like, wow, it’s strange, there’s always so many people in the beginning and then it’s so quiet, and on Grand Slams it’s even more strange,” he said.

“But once two, three finals, I got used to it, and I’m like actually, like, the best feeling. You know if there is almost no one left in the tournament, that means you’ve done a great job, there’s no one to disturb you, it’s just you, so go try to win it.

“I like this feeling. Yeah, hopefully I can be here on Sunday.”

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