Novak Djokovic vs Daniil Medvedev H2H: Analysis of Previous 5 meetings & Results

Of late, the invincibility of the World number 1, Novak Djokovic has been consistently challenged by the likes of Dominic Thiem, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev, and Daniil Medvedev. However, Medvedev stands out in that pack having won three out of his last four matches against the Serbian.

Let us have a deep look at the last five matches between the two stars

1 - Nitto ATP Finals 2020 - Round Robin - Medvedev defeats Djokovic in straight sets

It was a ruthless performance by the Russian as he romped home to a 6-3 6-3 victory against Djokovic. Medvedev smashed 9 aces and clinched 80% of his first-serve points. Novak struggled throughout the match, winning only 50% of points on his second serve. 

A strategy that Medvedev followed in the match was returning Djokovic's serve 5 metres behind the baseline. Djokovic's move of returning from much close or inside the baseline backfired as it put a lot of pressure on him in the rallies against the Russian's relentless defense.

2 - ATP Cup 2020 - Semifinals - Djokovic beats Medvedev in three sets

Dusan Lajovic had already put Serbia ahead in the semifinals with a straight-set win against Russia's Karen Khachanov. Djokovic secured Serbia's spot in the finals with a close three-set victory against Medvedev. 

The Serb began with a bang taking the opening set 6-1. But the Russian leveled the match winning the second set 7-5. Djokovic bagged the third set 6-4. Overall, the Serb hit 4 aces and claimed 71% of his first-serve points. 

3 - Cincinnati Open 2019 - ATP Masters 1000 - Semifinals - Medvedev outlasts Djokovic in three sets

Djokovic had won all his 3 matches in straight sets each against Sam Querrey, Pablo Carreno Busta, and Lucas Pouille but was stunned by Medvedev in three sets in the semis. He began in fine fashion storming to a 6-3 lead. 

However, Medvedev found his rhythm in the second and third sets beating him 3-6 6-3 6-3. It was a dominant serving day for the Russian as he fired 16 aces and pocketed 78% of his first-serve points. He also converted all his three breakpoints.

4 - Monte Carlo Open 2019 - Medvedev overcomes Djokovic in three sets in the quarterfinals

Djokovic had edged past Philip Kohlschreiber in three sets and thrashed Taylor Fritz with just the loss of three games before this match. On the other hand, Medvedev had beaten Joao Sousa and Radu Albot in straight sets each, losing only 5 games. He outlasted Stefanos Tsitsipas in 3 sets in the pre-quarterfinals. 

Trailing by 6-3 losing the first set, Djokovic took the second set 6-4 to force the decider. But, Medvedev was unstoppable in the third set as he easily took it 6-2 to win his first match against Djokovic after losing three matches in a row to the Serbian. He hit 3 aces and claimed 69% of his first-serve points.

5 - Australian Open 2019: Fourth Round: Djokovic subdues Medvedev's challenge in four sets

Djokovic suffered a shocking straight-set defeat in the fourth round against South Korea's Hyeon Chung in the 2018 edition of the tournament. Ahead of the clash against Medvedev, he had notched up straight-set wins against American Mitchell Krueger and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. He overcame the 25th seed Denis Shapovalov in four sets. 

The Serb was leading 6-4 after taking the opening set. The second set went neck and neck before Medvedev clinched the tiebreak grabbing the set 7-6 (5). Djokovic came back strong without giving away any intensity winning the next two sets 6-2 6-3 to book his spot in the quarterfinals against Kei Nishikori. The Serbian hit 6 aces and claimed 73% of his first-serve points. 

He later remarked that the match was physically draining and felt like a five-setter. Djokovic also praised the solid backhand of Medvedev in his post-match interview.

Ahead of their high-stakes clash in the finals of the 2021 Australian Open, Djokovic leads the head-to-head record 4-3 against Medvedev. He will be a firm favourite to win the title having won it 8 times in his career. Medvedev will be targeting his maiden grand slam title. The rivalry between the world's best returner and the consistent Russian will define the future of tennis.

Featured Image Credits - Getty Images