Australian Open: Medvedev beats Tsitsipas, to face Djokovic in final

Feb. 19 (UPI) — Daniil Medvedev of Russia beat Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets at the Australian Open on Friday to advance to the men’s final, where he will face top seed and eight-time tournament champion Novak Djokovic.

Medvedev, the tournament’s No. 4 seed, was masterful in the 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 triumph, in which he hit 17 aces, 46 winners and won five of nine break points. Fifth-seeded Tsitsipas hit just three aces, 19 winners and won one of three break points.

“It wasn’t easy, but I’m glad I was able to turn my game on, especially during some tight moments with my serve,” Medvedev said moments after the victory. “I’m really happy to be in the final.”

Medvedev is on a 20-match winning streak as he heads into the matchup against the world’s top player. He battles Djokovic at 3:30 a.m. EST on Sunday on ESPN.

The Serbian advanced to the final with a straight-sets win over Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev on Thursday at Rod Laver Arena. He is looking for his ninth Australian Open title and third in a row.

In the women’s draw, American Jennifer Brady will face Japan’s Naomi Osaka in the singles final at 3:30 a.m. EST on Saturday on ESPN.