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Aug/18

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Medvedev Crushes Tsitsipas Again at US Open

55 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Scoop

 

It may just be the best grudge rivalry in tennis today. Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas almost game to blows after their Miami match earlier this year. After some turbulence about an injury timeout during the match, eventually won by the Russian, Medvedev verbally confronted Tsitsipas after, calling him a “bullsh**” Russian and practically daring him to fight instead of talk.

Tsitispas took the high road and walked off the court after the three set defeat 26 64 62 and today they met again in what promised to be an interesting rematch.

But once again the 22 year old Medvedev, ranked 36 in the world, showed he may be ranked lower but he’s got the tactics to take down the talented 20 year old Greek who was the 15 seed.

Fresh off his second career title and second of the year, the Winston-Salem champion beat Tsitsipas 64 63 46 63 today.

There were no verbal spats or fighting words spoken today by either player. After the match Medvedev had this to say: “We didn’t speak after Miami with Stefanos Tsitsipas, but it’s ok, I understand sometimes there are emotions on court. He blocked me in Instagram, it’s strange, but even today he told me Congrats. There is no conflict between us, our parents are friends.”

This is a disappointing loss for Tsitsipas who has emerged this summer as a serious threat to be a future ATP world no. 1 with his all court, smooth and explosive game, which has produced a 30-20 record this year, his first full season in the ATP World Tour. Tsitispas reached the finals at Toronto Masters, the semis in Washington DC and the round of 16 at Wimbledon, each time losing to top ten players.

In Cincinnati, Tsitsipas defeated four top ten players – Djokovic, Thiem, Anderson and Zverev.

But now it’s Medvedev who will seek to do further damage at the 2018 US Open. Medevedev will play 20th ranked Borna Coric in the third round. Medevedev, who is coached by Gilles Cervara, beat Coric at Wimbledon in three sets this year but lost to him in Cincy 62 63.

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55 comments

  • Hartt · August 29, 2018 at 4:52 pm

    Honestly, this story has about a dozen different versions. But it was clear that it was Stefanos who called Medvedev a “bullshit” Russian. You can actually read his lips when he said it at the net. Besides, it would make no sense for Medvedev to say that, even if Stefanos does have a Russian mother. Later, Daniil complains to he ump that Stefanos said that.

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 29, 2018 at 5:06 pm

    Tsitsipas is half Russian, his dad is Greek as we know. Medvedev moved to live in Nice France at age 7. So I guess maybe both of them are guilty of being “bullshit” Russians 🙂 The video I saw, Medvedev was the aggressor and verbally challenged and almost taunted Tsitsipas who busted a move out of there fast.

  • Duke Carnoustie · August 29, 2018 at 5:42 pm

    The video I saw clearly had Medvedev calling Stefanos a “bullshit Russian” beyond a shadow of a doubt. Now Stefanos may have said that first.

    Medvedev took the high route but clearly he loves beating this kid. Also childish of Tsitsipas to block him on social media of Medvedev uses this as inspiration. This is a great NextGen rivalry.

    How about Fritz? I buried him in the first round and now he has a third-rounder vs. Thiem that is winnable. I still think he plays too many video games.

    The big story is that apparently Djoker’s team got to the USTA since the Wimbledon champ is playing Sandgren at night. Fed was bumped to an afternoon slot vs. the insane Paire. The great Fed can’t be happy, similar to how he had to face Ando on Court 1 at SW19.

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 29, 2018 at 6:45 pm

    Fed vs Paire should be the Ashe night match. Paire beat Fed this year and Sandgren got smoked by Djokovic earlier this year. Sandgren deserves it though, he’s a top American and he played on Ashe last year vs Cilic. But I think Fed vs Paire is the better match up for the fans. Either way this supposed story adds a little extra acid to Fed vs Djokovic. It also suggests that Djokovic is becoming the marquee attraction of the sport.

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 29, 2018 at 6:47 pm

    Something about Medvedev is really bothering Tsitsipas. Before Tsitsipas beat Zverev, Zverev had crushed Medvedev. Tsitsipas figured out Zverev in their second meeting but he can’t figure out Medvedev.

  • Joe Blow · August 29, 2018 at 7:13 pm

    Supposed Djoker/ Fed feud, then they play doubles together at Laver Cup, and the Internet goes bananas…

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 29, 2018 at 7:48 pm

    It’s a cool and warm feud I would say, some displays of cool but also some hints of warmth. That’s why the Laver Cup will be so interesting. To see if that can break the ice and bring them together like Fed and Rafa have a special union and rivalry. We shall see…

  • Dan Markowitz · August 29, 2018 at 9:38 pm

    Scoop,

    Did you just write that Sandgren is a “top” American. Please, come on, don’t give mis-information like that. That’s like saying, Sock is a top American. By the way with Sock, who’s down as I write this, to Basilsivlili two sets to one, the Nabraskan has not won back to back matches all year long. I dare anyone to cite a more nightmarish year for a player supposedly in his prime, who was in Top 10 to start the year.

    But Sandgren, the dude has won 9 matches since the Aussie Open and four or five of those occurred at Houston. The dude has won only one slam match since the Ausse Open and that was in the first round at the USO. Sandgren might be ranked as the No. 6 American, but he’s been unimpressive this year after his big breakthrough. He hasn’t been able to rise to the fore.

    Surprising to see Murray go down to Verdasco. We’ll see next year at Australia if with more time he’ll be able to rally. Izzie wins 4 in the 5th versus Jarry. Shape wins in five versus Seppi, not a great sign for the Canadian as I would’ve thought he’d have an easier time with the Italian.

  • Duke Carnoustie · August 29, 2018 at 9:51 pm

    Actually Paire didn’t beat Fed this year he beat Djoker.

    I don’t think this court change will mean anything except to the Fed fans who want their guy in prime time.

    I think reaching a Slam QF qualifies Sandgren as a top American. He is dating Britt McHenry of Fox News and has a pretty big following as a result and will have some fan support in Ashe. Of course he should still get crushed.

  • Duke Carnoustie · August 29, 2018 at 9:53 pm

    Dunno who this blonde woman is behind Basilashvili’s coaches but she is very eye catching indeed.

  • Dan Markowitz · August 29, 2018 at 10:06 pm

    Basilasgvili is playing well, but Sock is brutal. The guy has trouble coming over his backhand and his serve is mediocre. As I wrote this though he just broke the Georgian serving for four set win. Sock is coming alive. He just hit a couple of big inside in forehand winners, 80 mph frozen ropes.

  • Duke Carnoustie · August 29, 2018 at 10:22 pm

    Many will criticize Jack Sock for losing this match but I won’t Basilashvili is simply the better player and he is playing well this year and closing in on the top 30. He is just flat-out better than Sock at this point.

    Sock should skip the Asian swing and get ready for Australia.

    Meanwhile the blonde in the tiny gray top appears to be Nico’s gf but I can’t find any info for you as of yet. Very cute, I think cuter than Vekic.

  • Duke Carnoustie · August 29, 2018 at 10:29 pm

    Clownios is relegated to Court 17 tomorrow. Glad the USTA has stopped promoting him. He will be followed by Bouchard and her fanboys.

    Sad to see Murray go down fairly meekly. He has a long way back to relevancy.

    Didn’t see any reporting on Mac Mac losing from two sets up on Haase? Anybody see anything?

  • Dan Markowitz · August 29, 2018 at 10:38 pm

    There were actually two blondes, Duke, and the one two rows above Nico’s coaches was better-looking than the one I think you said was Nico’s gf. I’ll tell you, if you remember two years ago when Sock was doing so well in Indy Wells, beating Nishikori, he had a raven-haired young woman in his box and she looked mature and beautiful and stable. Sock’s blonde girlfriend always looked good, but she also had a frightened, please don’t have the cameras take my picture kind of look.

    I’ve never seen anything like what’s happened to Sock this year. If Knowles gets him back on track, it’ll be quite a feat.

  • Duke Carnoustie · August 29, 2018 at 10:43 pm

    Anybody wondering like I am if Sock will make a beeline for Ashe to watch his old buddy Vasek? Or as these guys still not on speaking terms?

  • Duke Carnoustie · August 29, 2018 at 11:39 pm

    Dan,

    There was a blonde in a white shirt, also beautiful, but she looked older? That what you mean?

    I don’t remember Sock’s raven-haired beauty. I remember an ATP video he did with a Spanish player who tried to call Sock a major player while Sock didn’t want to discuss.

    Yeah Michaela was kind of not up to the standards of being a tennis WAG with that weird look. Yet he had his greatest moments with her.

    We agree that Sock can’t play singles in Davis Cup right? It will be Cilic and Coric so I’d take Isner and you know who else? Foe. I think he’s equipped to play in a hostile crowd and it’s his last chance to do so. He can rise to the occasion.

    Interestingly, Foe has accumulated the third-most rankings points this year among U.S. players behind Isner and SteveJo – and he may pass Stevie soon.

    Mmoh, Rubin, Smyczek and Opelka have all amassed more 2018 points than Sock.

  • Duke Carnoustie · August 30, 2018 at 12:07 am

    Twitter feud has developed between Kyrgios and Tsitsipas. Clownios responds to posts in which Stef is tagged and seems to be mocking him.

    Clownios also got in a back and forth with hack NYT writer Ben Rothlisberg on social media.

  • Duke Carnoustie · August 30, 2018 at 12:09 am

    Clownios also ripped Verdasco for the “coaching” he got against Murray.

  • catherine · August 30, 2018 at 3:27 am

    It’ll be a Williams/Williams match next – can’t see Venus getting in the way of her sister’s progress to the final. Carina Withoeft did well to get 4 games off Serena. Kerber the last German left standing – the heat got to Julia G I think so out she went to Makarova.

    Muguruza down to Czech Muchova, ranked 202 from CR, so another poor showing for Garbine. Back to the practice court – oh, wait…

    Lots of stuff about blondes and gfs here – what about
    bfs, fiances, husbands etc ? Don’t suppose you’re looking at those.

    Beats me why some players waste their precious time in social media feuds. They sound like a bunch of schoolgirls.

  • catherine · August 30, 2018 at 4:08 am

    Oh and Serena is one of the sensible players wearing white, maybe the only player.

    Re social media – it’s notable that these feuds are conducted mainly by men. Women tend not to do that. At least not in tennis. I can think of one or two players who clearly share a major dislike but they haven’t taken to the internet.

  • Dan Markowitz · August 30, 2018 at 6:45 am

    Is what Serena’s doing as impressive as Federer or more so. I marvel at her. Firstly, how can anyone play in that frilly dress she wears? Incredible. Second, her serve is sick. Just by far the best women’s serve ever. Third, her backhand is sick. she gets the racquet back so quickly. Fourth, if I have to hear another post-match interview with Serena by Renaee Stubbs or Pam Shriver or Mary Joe Fernandez where they ask about her daughter and Serena’s pre-match preparation with her, I’m going go crazy.

    Sock should stop playing doubles. Gilbert made the inane comment yesterday–which I think is totally false so I’m surprised he said it–that Sock’s success in doubles should lead him out of his singles funk. That’s like saying Feli Lopez who’s been doing well in doubles should also receive the residual success in singles from it. I don’t think so. I think it works the other way around. In the back of Sock’s head I think he’s thinking, I can lose in singles because I have doubles. Take away the doubles and maybe he plays hungrier in singles.

  • catherine · August 30, 2018 at 7:57 am

    I really really really want someone to beat Serena.

    That sounds mean but it isn’t. I just want another player to come along and show that they’ve got the weapons, they’re not intimidated by the Williams’ bandwagon in NY and they don’t care how good a ‘mom’ she is. Please do it.

    Duke – you don’t have to listen to that tripe from Shriver et al – just tune it out or switch off.
    And isn’t it all a bit sexist ?

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 30, 2018 at 8:15 am

    Dan, this is Sandgren’s first year on the main tour, he proved in Houston and Melbourne he’s legit. Yes, with Sock still floundering, I’d rate Sandgren as the fifth best American.

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 30, 2018 at 8:16 am

    Duke, Think Paire almost beat Fed, had match points? Good for Sandgren, he deserves the media exposure. maybe he will be a Fox News talking head someday.

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 30, 2018 at 8:17 am

    Duke, McDonald cramped up.

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 30, 2018 at 8:22 am

    Catherine, MAria fueled her feud with Serena in her book. What an interesting revealing read it is, just picked it up this week. Maria’s deep analysis of the Serena Wimbledon final is page-turning thrilling. I think the WTA feuds are more subtle and sneaky, not so much out in the open. We know there are more than a few WTA feuds, only a fool would think otherwise. Only a fool would think that WTA locker room is one big happy family, doing karaoke choruses together every afternoon.

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 30, 2018 at 8:27 am

    Dan, you didn’t know Serena is now a mother and she’s doing it now all for working mothers? I just found out yesterday Serena had a baby. Gotta pay attention better. Jeez, the whole Serena talking points could not be more boringly over drilled into our heads. Like Dan says it’s borderline torture and maybe it’s better to see her lose so we can be spared the overkill. I do love Serena’s purple outfit and shoes though, whatever they say on them? Probably about motherhood. She looks like a Purple People Eater out there. SHout out to the Minnesota Vikings D Line of the 1970s Alan Page, Carl Eller, Jim Marshall and?

  • Chazz · August 30, 2018 at 8:50 am

    The cattiness of the WTA is hard to ignore. Just look at the handshakes, it doesn’t matter what match. Other than Keys-Stephens final last year, almost every handshake is abrupt and cold. I caught the end of the young American Kenin beating the favored Sakkari yesterday and you would think Kenin stole her boyfriend because Sakkari’s drive-by handshake was something. You’ll occasionally see it on the ATP but only with players that have known issues with each other.

    On the topic of cats, if Catsuit wins this US Open it is confirmation of what Dan said awhile back that the WTA is really really poor. Someone, anyone should be able to move her around get her exhausted in this heat. No one on tour other than Dolehide is carrying that kind of weight.

  • Chazz · August 30, 2018 at 9:04 am

    Murray making it to 4 sets surprised me because he is constantly limping. I don’t see how his career lasts more than another year.

    I don’t think Sock should quit doubles because I don’t think he puts any effort or time into it and only plays major events. His level of play in this US Open was higher than anything this year, so it wasn’t a complete fail. I liked watching Basilishvili, he’s a solid player.

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 30, 2018 at 9:05 am

    Sharapova on net handshakes in her book Unstoppable: “There’s probably more bullshit phoniness said at the net after a match than anywhere else in the world.”

  • catherine · August 30, 2018 at 10:01 am

    Scoop – of course the WTA have feuds. They just don’t do it on Twitter. That’s what I think is so silly.

    Kerber/Cornet is one of the most obvious. Goes back I’d think to that incident last year where I’d guess the argument continued off court and words were exchanged which aren’t forgotten.

    Petko’s net behaviour seems warm enough. She’s probably above all that. There are other exceptions. But maybe Maria’s been on the receiving end of some of the coolest 🙂

    Chazz – it wasn’t just Dan BTW who said the WTA looks pretty poor sometimes. Serena’s mobility has always been her weak point – few seem able to exploit it. Carina Withoeft certainly wasn’t going to. And Venus won’t either.

    What I can’t stand is that so many players seem to be beaten before they get on the court v Serena. One of the best things about Angie’s Wimbledon was that she
    wanted it so much she let that stuff go by and just played to win. She probably worked to block it out. Like Fisette said, she was ‘on a mission’.

    It’s going to tough because the crowd will be massively behind Serena but I hope someone at this USO is in a mission too.
    They won’t get the plaudits although they’ll deserve them. Serena doesn’t exactly hide her light under a bushel.

    Think of 2015 🙂

  • jg · August 30, 2018 at 10:02 am

    Serena’s outfit is ridiculous, my wife even said so and she isnt a tennis fan and was a dancer, this is an athletic event, look at Raffa-he went sleeveless, which is smart in that weather–(surprised other men have not followed). Raffa dressed for the conditions, i have no idea what Serena was doing, shes lucky she is that much better than her competition otherwise the outfit would get in the way.

  • catherine · August 30, 2018 at 10:07 am

    jg – Serena has to wear that style because of her medical condition. But she could do without the frills. The white was a good idea (white reflects). Those players sporting adidas black could take a tip from her (black absorbs).

    And she needs good support around the chest, obviously. I won’t criticise for that.

  • Chazz · August 30, 2018 at 11:29 am

    Yeah I think if you’re more than just a fanboy/fangirl, it gets to the point where rooting for a 35+ player to dominate the field is not good for the sport. Unfortunately, Catsuit’s draws is easy all the way until the SF.

  • Chazz · August 30, 2018 at 11:29 am

    *draw

  • Duke Carnoustie · August 30, 2018 at 11:40 am

    Dan couldn’t aggree more about playing in that frilly dress. Can’t imagine Fed or Nadal playing great tennis in such an outfit so credit goes to Serena.

    Meanwhile, not sure if you know that Serena was pregnant and had a daughter? Really hasn’t been discussed much in the media. Did you know being a mom is cool? I am learning so much.

    Yeah Sakkari was quite pissed off after losing that one.

  • catherine · August 30, 2018 at 12:11 pm

    Chinese (or whoever they are) to the rescue once again – some decent length highlights from USO.

  • catherine · August 30, 2018 at 12:17 pm

    Oops – they’ve disappeared – that was quick !

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 30, 2018 at 12:26 pm

    Catherine, you are taking Serena at her word? Her out fit is for cosmetic reasons, designed to flash and awe, it’s all about being fancy and chic. I don’t buy the medical condition card at all. I believe about ten percent of anything on face value.

  • Joe Blow · August 30, 2018 at 12:54 pm

    For her Medical condition?

    Does Nike now make a Tennis line for Pulmonary Embolism’s?

    What a joke. It’s the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen on the court. People are having Acid flashbacks watching SW. How does Nike keep paying her to rep. I’ve played tennis all over the US, never saw one woman in a SW outfit, or a V outfit

  • catherine · August 30, 2018 at 1:03 pm

    Scoop – I believe she has a blood clotting condition. It’s not something you’d make up. Actually, I’m not terribly interested in Serena, her clothes, her baby, anything about her except her performance on court. That’s the only place where she’s exceptional.

    I seriously doubt her opponents are overwhelmed by her sartorial choices. They probably just think she’s doing it for effect. At least I hope they do.

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 30, 2018 at 1:25 pm

    Catherine, if it’s such a health risk, why is she playing? There was an NBA player on the Miami Heat who missed several years because of blood clot issue. If it was so serious, Serena would not play and risk it. I think this could be a scam. Not saying it is but I am suspicious of this and many other health issues like Mardy Fish’s supposed heart and anxiety issues. Therapeutic use exemption is a scam and player’s take advantage of it.

  • catherine · August 30, 2018 at 1:30 pm

    Meanwhile back to the action – Kyrgios loses first set and about to lose 2nd to Herbert. Kasatkina out to Sasnovich, Kerber winning easily v Larssen, no big surprises except remember when Daria was ‘promising’? Seems a long time ago. Sabalenka goes through but I’m expecting cumulative fatigue to strike her soon.

  • Jg · August 30, 2018 at 2:17 pm

    Is the leather jacket warmup in 90 degree weather for health reasons? That too is the most ridiculous thing I have seen other than the time Fed wore a blazer for warm ups, he was literally taking a day at the office to an extreme

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 30, 2018 at 2:40 pm

    Jg, it’s funny how so many people will buy every single word Serena says. it’s almost like it’s fear of being labeled a racist if you question her in any way. She is not above questioning. Her outfits are about one thing – not functionality, not precision, not athletic advantage, they are about style, chic and standing out. If she had a blood clots problem she would not be playing, just like the Miami Heat player Chris Bosh who missed nearly three years because of the problem. I do happen to love this latest outfit though, the color is unique and the dress reminds of Glinda the Good Witch of the East in Wizard of Oz, played by Billie Burke 🙂

  • Joe Blow · August 30, 2018 at 2:43 pm

    The Leyhani pep talk to Kyrgios was the strangest thing i’ve ever seen. He should be suspended or fired. Herbert should have walked over and said WTF is going on. Waking up a player is not the chairs job..

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 30, 2018 at 2:52 pm

    Layhani is now an elite professional tennis coach, his words of wisdom have awakened the sleeping Bear in Nick! Layhani is a master button pusher with supreme verbal efficiency and brevity. Kyrgios will now win the US Open and Layhani will open his new academy in Florida in 2020!!

  • Chazz · August 30, 2018 at 2:53 pm

    Chung loses in SS to journeyman Kukushkin. That’s a really bad loss for the young Korean.

    Chair umpire waking up Kyrgios makes a Fed-Kyrgios epic matchup more likely. Hmm, I smell conspiracy.

  • catherine · August 30, 2018 at 3:00 pm

    Scoop – you’ll be sad to see that Hsieh lost to Cibulkova after a 3 set tussle. Domi now plays Kerber after Angie’s ‘winning easily’ turned into something of a marathon.

    Serena takes blood thinners – that probably allows her to play. I’m sure her medical records are available to the appropriate authorities.

    I’m sick of Serena’s outfits. I wish she’d retire and become a dress designer.

  • Scoop Malinowski · August 30, 2018 at 3:21 pm

    Chazz, no you are wrong, there has never ever been one single conspiracy in the history of humankind. Stop being suspicious 🙂 Layhani is now a contender for ATP Coach of the Year. Is also now a candidate for Davis Cup captain for Sweden. Great day of multi-tasking my Mohammaed Layhani.

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