Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz book their spots in Wimbledon semifinals
By Lee Vowell
Daniil Medvedev is starting to figure out grass courts. For the second straight year, he is into the Wimbledon semifinals after not previously making it past the fourth round. Medvedev stunned top-seed Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals in five amazing sets.
Sinner suffered some kind of medical issue in the third set and had to have his heart rate checked. He went into the locker room on a medical timeout but then re-emerged to and was brilliant in the fourth set. In the final set, he seemed less energized, though, and the Russian was able to keep putting the pressure on the young Italian.
This included a break of serve early in the fifth set to push his lead to 3-1 and after he held in the next game, Medvedev was clearly on his way. As opposed to recent matches between the two players, Medvedev did not seem overwhelmed by Sinner's pace and ability to move around the court. He came into the match with a different approach and eschewed his far-behind-the-baseline returns and played closer to the line.
Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz move into semifinals at Wimbledon
Medvedev now has two days off before he returns to play in the semifinals on Friday. His opponent will be 2023 Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz made his way to the semis by defeating Tommy Paul in four sets, sweeping past the American 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-2. Paul is a fantastic athlete and that kept him in the match early until Alcaraz's persistent power and incredible shot-making were simply too much. To beat Alcaraz, any player needs a special outing.
In six previous meetings, Alcaraz leads the head-to-head against the Russian 4-2. Twice they have played at Wimbledon with Medvedev winning in 2021 in straight sets and Alcaraz getting revenge in 2023 in straight sets. That match also took place in the semifinals.