Daniil Medvedev downs ‘proud’ Jannik Sinner to claim Rotterdam title

ATP Tour

James Richardson
February 19, 2023

Daniil Medvedev fought back from a set down to win the Rotterdam Open and claim his first title of 2023.

Montpellier champion Jannik Sinner came out of the blocks all guns blazing and took the opener but couldn’t hold off the fightback from Medvedev who won 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 in the end.

Medvedev didn’t flinch in the face of a furious bombardment from the Italian who was chasing his second title in as many weeks on the ATP Tour.

His tremendous display in the Dutch city now sees Medvedev move out to 6-0 in the head-to-head series between the two.

“I first came here in [2018] and I straightaway loved it here,” said Medvedev, who now holds a 10-4 record in Rotterdam, at the trophy ceremony.

“I love coming back here. The last two times I played here were terrible and I’m happy to make it better this year.”

Medvedev won his 16th tour-level championship in two hours and 29 minutes and has now claimed 15 hard court championships across his ATP Tour career.

Thanks to his title victory since his triumph in Vienna back in October 202, Medvedev is all st to reenter the Top 10 of the ATP Rankings on Monday.

The 27-year-old will surpass Hubert Hurkacz, Holger Rune, and Felix Auger-Aliassime to claim the No 8 spot on the rankings currently headed by Novak Djokovic.

Sinner had stated his intention to consult with his coaches to come up with a gameplan for the final in order to avoid repeating his previous troubles against Medvedev (who had won all five previous meetings) in the aftermath of his semi-final victory over Tallon Griekspoor.

His new gameplan at first appeared to have Medvedev on the ropes so credit should go to Sinner and his team however as the Italian frequently moved forward to try to break the flow of his opponent, even though he was still drawn into extended baseline exchanges with the sixth seed.

Sinner predicted more successes for Medvedev in 2023 afer the Russian produced an irresistable fightback off the back of a momentum switch.

“Daniil, congrats to you and your team, winning your first title of this season,” said Sinner, who will rise two spots to No. 12 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings on Monday. “I think you’re going to win many more this year, so I wish you all the best… It has been two positive weeks for me. I played many matches and I’m very proud.”

Daniil Medvedev