Daniil Medvedev gets his revenge more than 10 years later as he overwhelms Stefan Kozlov at US Open

US Open
Daniil Medvedev in action

Daniil Medvedev produced a champion’s display in the first round of the US Open as he brushed aside Stefan Kozlov to get his revenge after the American “destroyed” him when they played at youth level.

Kozlov gave as good as he got early on, but fell away quite badly and eventually went down 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 in just over two hours against the defending champion on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

World No 1 Medvedev edged ahead with a break in game three only for the world No 111 to hit back immediately, but the Russian was not to be denied as he claimed a second break. The 3-2 lead turned into a 6-2 set on the back of a third break in game seven.

The second set had a similar theme as it went according to serve before three consecutive breaks saw Medvedev go 5-4 up before serving it out.

The world No 1 ran away with things in the third set with three breaks as he managed to get the job done at earliest possible time and avoid any more time in the sun.

“Most pleased to win, first of all, not easy conditions – pretty hot and humid here – also sweating a lot,” Medvedev said.

“I feel like there were some good points and I managed to be pretty solid. Of course [my] serve was key today and I am happy to go through to the second round.”

Daniil Medvedev, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud battle for No 1 spot at US Open

As for getting past Kozlov, the top seed was pleased to get his revenge after he was beaten heavily by the American at junior level.

“I remember in the juniors it was impossible to beat him,” the 26-year-old Russian said. “I remember we played at Under-14 – and he is two years younger than me and usually that makes a big difference – and it was a team event, I think World Cup Under-14, and he destroyed me, either in the semi-final on the group stage. I was happy to get my revenge today.

“He has an unusual game so I tried to be really solid so that I can find the right shot at the right time.”

Medvedev, who needs to reach the final again at Flushing Meadows to be world No 1 after the US Open, will face Arthur Rinderknech in the second round after the Frenchman beat his compatriot Quentin Halys 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 6-2.

Daniil Medvedev Stefan Kozlov

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