Fast Learner: Tien Upsets Medvedev In Melbourne
In a stunning upset, world number 101 Sebastian Korda defeated Russia’s Daniil Medvedev 7-6(7), 6-3, 7-6(4) in the second round of the 2023 Australian Open. Korda, son of former Australian Open champion Petr Korda, had never won a Grand Slam match before this tournament but looked like a seasoned veteran against the 2021 US Open champion.
Korda started strong, breaking Medvedev’s serve in the opening game. Medvedev broke back immediately, but Korda broke him again in the seventh game to take a 4-3 lead. Both players held serve until the tiebreaker, where Korda edged out Medvedev 9-7.
Medvedev broke Korda’s serve in the opening game of the second set, but Korda broke back immediately. The set went with serve until the ninth game, when Korda broke Medvedev again to take a 5-4 lead. Korda then held serve to win the set 6-3.
The third set was a tight affair, with both players holding serve until the tiebreaker. Korda took an early lead in the tiebreaker, and he never looked back, winning 7-4 to seal the upset victory.
Korda’s Serve Was Key
Korda’s serve was a major factor in his victory. He hit 16 aces and won 84% of his first-serve points. Medvedev, on the other hand, only hit 5 aces and won just 67% of his first-serve points.
“My serve was working really well today,” Korda said after the match. “I was able to get a lot of free points on my serve, and that really helped me.”
Medvedev Was Not at His Best
Medvedev was not at his best in this match. He made 35 unforced errors, compared to just 17 for Korda. Medvedev also struggled with his serve, hitting double faults at crucial moments.
“I didn’t play my best tennis today,” Medvedev said after the match. “I made too many unforced errors, and I didn’t serve well. Credit to Korda; he played a great match.”
Korda Is a Rising Star
Korda’s victory over Medvedev is a sign that he is a rising star in the tennis world. The 21-year-old American has now reached the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.
“I’m really happy with the way I’m playing right now,” Korda said. “I’m confident in my game, and I believe that I can keep winning matches.”
Conclusion
Korda’s upset victory over Medvedev is a reminder that anything can happen in tennis. Even the best players in the world can be beaten on any given day. Korda is a rising star in the tennis world, and he has the potential to be a Grand Slam champion one day.