French Open 2021 Quarters: Medvedev vs Tsitsipas: Will the Russian reign or Will the Greek grab it?

It is an exciting Next-Gen clash as the 2nd seed Daniil Medvedev takes on the 5th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarterfinals of the French Open 2021.

Match Timing: 8 pm U.K Time

*Medvedev leads the head-to-head record 6-1 against Tsitsipas. 

The Russian beat the Greek in their only clash on clay (Pre-Quarters of the Monte Carlo Open, 2019 in 3 sets). 

What happened in the last 5 head to head matches between Medvedev and Tsitsipas?

1) Australian Open 2021: Semifinals: Medvedev won 6-4 6-2 7-5

Medvedev had a field day with his serve, pounding 17 aces and winning 88% of points on it. Tsitsipas did not have any gas left in his tank after a tough 5-set victory against Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals. The Greek took a meager 46% of points on his second serve.

2) Nitto ATP Finals 2019: Round-Robin: Tsitsipas triumphed 7-6(5) 6-4

The first serve clicked for the Greek as he claimed 89% of points on it. The Next-Gen star did not commit any double faults and hit deep returns forcing the unorthodox Medvedev to play passively.

3) Shanghai Masters 2019: Semifinals: Medvedev won 7-6 7-5

Daniil’s majority of points came from his superior serving (First Serve - 89% and Second Serve - 70%). Tsitsipas had come into the match after defeating the top seed Novak Djokovic in 3 sets. The Greek’s weak second-serve winning % of 53 proved to be his biggest weakness.

4) Monte Carlo Open 2019: Round of 16 Medvedev won 6-2 1-6 6-4

Despite landing only 45% of his first serves in, Medvedev pulled off a 3-set win. The Russian raced ahead with a 6-2 lead. 

However, Tsitsipas roared back taking the second set 6-1. A solitary break of serve in the third set helped Medvedev to take it 6-4. Overall, Daniil won 61% of his second-serve points, more than Tsitsipas’s 45%. 

5) Basel Open: 2018: Quarterfinals: Medvedev wins 6-4 3-6 6-3 against Tsitsipas

It was the first head-to-head meeting between Tsitsipas and Medvedev on indoor hardcourts. The Russian used the fast conditions to his advantage, smashing 6 aces and taking 86% of his first-serve points. 

Tsitsipas won more points on his second serve (63%) than Medvedev (61%). But, a poor breakpoint conversion rate of 25% made the difference as he could not pounce upon the crucial opportunities. 

“I think I have played some of my best tennis when I do not think much on the court, when everything is done automatically, on autopilot, he (Medvedev) serves extremely well, I have to say, he has improved over the years with his serve, I just have to play my game, let the rest be witnessed,” said Tsitsipas confident of putting up a good show against the 2nd seed Medvedev in the quarterfinals. 

6 Stats that Tsitsipas can use to oust Medvedev

Interesting stat: Medvedev committed equal unforced errors (16 each) in the 1st and 3rd round and equal unforced errors (32 each) in the 2nd and 4th round

3 Stats that give Medvedev a big edge over Tsitsipas

Medvedev vs Tsitsipas: French Open 2021 Prediction

Medvedev is proving his detractors wrong with his exploits on the Parisian clay. Psychologically, the Russian holds the edge against Tsitsipas having just lost 1 match to him out of 7 matches. 

This mouthwatering Next-Gen encounter could be decided between Medvedev’s strong first serve and Tsitsipas’s powerful one-handed backhand. The Greek will be extra motivated to clinch his first victory on clay against Medvedev. 

Prediction: Stefanos Tsitsipas to win in four sets against Daniil Medvedev and progress to the semi-finals.

Featured Image Credits - First Sportz