Astana Open Semifinals LIVE – Daniil Medvedev who grabbed the first set against Novak Djokovic in the semifinal of the Astana Open on Saturday, bowed out from the tournament in the most unfortunate fashion as he withdrew from the contest due to an injury. After winning the first set 6-4, Medvedev lost the second set via a tie-breaker and immediately withdrew from the match. With this, Djokovic will now face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final on Sunday. Follow Astana Open 2022 LIVE updates on InsideSport.IN
Astana Open Semifinals LIVE: Daniil Medvedev withdraws from Astana Open semifinal due to injury, Novak Djokovic advances to final: Check Highlights
Medvedev Forced to Retire! 😳
After @DjokerNole took the second set, Medvedev has withdrawn due to injury in Astana#AstanaOpen pic.twitter.com/w33Iyozrce
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 8, 2022
It was one of the most awaited contests on the ATP Tour as both the former World No.1 players met for the first time this year. Both the players played at an intense level challenging each other as soon as the game began. Having won three games each. Medvedev managed to snatch a break against the Serbian and won the first set 6-4.
In the second set, Djokovic raised his level further as the two players carved an array of intricate, shots. None of them could manage to break a serve as the set moved into the tie-breaker. Djokvoci ultimately prevailed in the tie-break and just before he could go back to his seat and prepare for the deciding set, Medvedev decided to retire. It was an unfortunate end to what was shaping up to be one of the matches of the year.
“I really hope that his injury is nothing too serious,” said Djokovic. “I know Daniil, he’s a great guy, he’s a fighter, he’s a big competitor. He wouldn’t retire a match if he didn’t feel that he [could] continue or [if it wouldn’t] worsen his injury. He told me that he pulled an adductor muscle in his leg.
“It was such a close match, particularly in the second set. I would probably say he was a better player on the court in both sets. I was fighting and trying to find a way. I found a way to win the second, but I’m just sad for the tournament and for these people who were enjoying the battle, and for Daniil that it had to end this way.”
Astana Open Semifinals LIVE: Daniil Medvedev withdraws from Astana Open semifinal due to injury, Novak Djokovic advances to final: Check Highlights