Medvedev Advances to Australian Open Semifinals Alongside Qualifier Yastremska

Melbourne (AFP) – Two-time runner-up Daniil Medvedev and Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska secured spots in the semifinals of the Australian Open on Wednesday, setting the stage for exciting matchups in Melbourne.

In a grueling five-set battle against big-serving Hubert Hurkacz, former US Open champion Medvedev emerged victorious with a 7-6 (7/4), 2-6, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 win. The Russian world number three will face either second seed Carlos Alcaraz or sixth seed Alexander Zverev in the semifinals, with a chance to reach his third consecutive Australian Open final.

Medvedev, who reached the final in 2021 and 2022 but fell short, admitted feeling physically drained after the intense match that lasted nearly four hours. However, he remained resilient and managed to secure the crucial break in the final set for the win.

In the first match on center court, Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska continued her impressive run by defeating unseeded Czech Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-4. Yastremska became just the second women’s qualifier in the Open Era to reach this stage of the Australian Open. The 93rd-ranked player will now face either Russian Anna Kalinskaya or Chinese 12th seed Zheng Qinwen for a place in the final.

Yastremska’s achievement holds special significance as she is the first women’s qualifier to reach the semifinals at the season-opening Grand Slam since Christine Matison in 1978. After her victories, Yastremska expressed pride in her country and showed support for Ukrainian fighters involved in the war against Russia.

The evening session at the Australian Open will feature a highly anticipated match between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev. Alcaraz, aiming to win his third Grand Slam title and dethrone 10-time champion Novak Djokovic from the top ranking, is determined to become the third man in the Open Era to achieve three Grand Slam wins before turning 21.

Alcaraz, 20, is approaching the match with growing confidence, while Zverev holds a winning record in their previous encounters. With both players in excellent form, their showdown promises to be a tough battle.

In the women’s draw, the top half has seen several upsets, leaving Chinese player Zheng Qinwen as the remaining seed. Zheng draws inspiration from compatriot Li Na’s triumph in Australia in 2014 and recently had the opportunity to meet Li Na in person, providing her with a boost of motivation in Melbourne.

As the Australian Open continues, fans eagerly await the outcomes of these exciting matches, which showcase the determination and skill of the players as they vie for a spot in the championship final.