Daniil Medvedev warns 'one player is going to die' as he battles 'brutal' heat to beat Andrey Rublev
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Updated 06/09/2023 at 22:06 GMT
Daniil Medvedev needed two medical timeouts on his way to a straight-sets win over compatriot Andrey Rublev in the US Open quarter-finals, as the world No. 3 appeared to struggle with breathing in the sweltering heat of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Medvedev also complained about the 'brutal conditions' in his post-match interview, with a cold towel draped around his neck.
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Daniil Medvedev cursed the "brutal conditions" in New York as he battled past fellow Russian Andrey Rublev to reach the US Open semi-finals.
Flushing Meadows was struck by highs of 34 degrees celcius on Wednesday, with fans also struggling in the sweltering heat inside Arthue Ashe Stadium.
Medvedev took two medical timeouts during the match against his fellow Russian, and was caught on camera saying "one player is going to die" in response to the humid conditions.
Following his victory, the world No. 3 put two cold towels on his head and poured a bottle of water on himself.
Rublev, who has now lost all nine Grand Slam quarter-finals he has played in, could also be seen drizzling water over his head.
“The conditions were brutal," said Medvedev on court after the match.
"The only good thing is that both players suffer. Usually there is not only one that suffers so it’s tough for both of us.
"At the end of the first set I kind of couldn't see the ball anymore. I kind of played with sensations. Just tried to go for it, tried to run, tried to catch the balls and he did the same."
"Sometimes before the points I was like 'wow it seems like he cannot run anymore' ... but he was there all the time and I was like 'damn, when is he going to be tired?'
"But actually we were tired all the time. So yeah, brutal conditions and super tough to win."
Eurosport expert Alex Corretja said Medvedev had all the answers against Rublev.
"Daniil is very solid from the back of the court but as soon as he needs to do something different he can do it.
"He can do the drop shot, he can serve and volley, mix it up, it’s a nightmare to play him in these conditions because you feel like you are hitting against a wall. Rublev doesn’t have as much variation in his game. He struggled to win points and to see how to finish points.
"I think Daniil was a bit more experienced in this situation and a bit smarter too."
Fellow expert Mats Wilander added that the humidity in New York made conditions particularly harsh.
"I think it’s more dangerous here than Australia because of the humidity," he said.
"In Australia the sun is so strong, and it’s because of the fans, they don’t want people to be out in the sun. But you can’t hide from the humidity. It’s absolutely brutal. Some players can deal with it more than others, it’s very personal.
Following victory, Medvedev joked that he was excited to take a cold shower earlier than expected after winning in just three sets.
He also ranked his tennis a "10 out of 10" ahead of playing Carlos Alcaraz or Alexander Zverev in the semis.
"I'm through to the semis, so that's great," he added. "I am looking forward to the match tonight, and preparing to face the winner."
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