In a thrilling quarter-final match at Wimbledon, third seed Daniil Medvedev fought off a spirited challenge from American debutant Christopher Eubanks to secure a hard-fought victory. After a grueling five-set battle on Wednesday, Medvedev emerged victorious with a 6-4, 1-6, 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-1 triumph.
Despite losing his way in the second and third sets, the Russian player displayed resilience and regained control to advance to his first-ever grasscourt slam semi-finals.
The match started with Medvedev taking the opening set, but Eubanks quickly turned the tide by unleashing a barrage of powerful shots that had the Court One crowd roaring in approval.
With an aggressive display of first-strike tennis, the unseeded Eubanks overwhelmed Medvedev in the next two sets, leaving the Russian bewildered and struggling to find answers. However, Medvedev managed to weather the storm, gradually regained his composure, and began to mount a comeback.
Eubanks, who had stunned higher-ranked players on his remarkable Wimbledon adventure, showed no signs of slowing down. Breaking Medvedev's serve early in the third set, he won an impressive seven consecutive games.
The 27-year-old American appeared poised to emulate the achievements of legendary player John McEnroe, who reached the semi-finals in his Wimbledon debut in 1977. However, Medvedev fought back in the fourth set, seizing the momentum as Eubanks' game began to falter. With a determined effort, Medvedev won the tiebreak and forced the match into a decisive fifth set.
In the final set, Eubanks struggled to recapture his earlier brilliance, while Medvedev capitalized on his opponent's diminishing firepower.
The Russian player dominated the fifth set, securing an emphatic 6-1 victory and ending Eubanks' extraordinary Wimbledon run. Despite the disappointment, Eubanks received a resounding ovation from the crowd, acknowledging his remarkable achievements with a heart gesture before leaving the court.
Medvedev's triumph sets up a highly-anticipated semi-final clash with top seed Carlos Alcaraz. Looking ahead to the match, Medvedev expressed caution, acknowledging Alcaraz's potent game and "one brutal shot" that could prove decisive. The Russian player emphasized the need to avoid giving Alcaraz any easy opportunities, highlighting the Spaniard's raw power.
Drawing on his experience and previous victories against top-ranked players, Medvedev hopes to leverage his greater knowledge and skill to secure a place in the final.
Medvedev's grueling quarter-final victory against Eubanks showcased his resilience and determination. Despite facing adversity and a spirited opponent, the Russian player demonstrated his ability to adapt and ultimately prevail.
With the Wimbledon semi-finals approaching, tennis enthusiasts eagerly await the showdown between Medvedev and Alcaraz, expecting a captivating battle between two formidable talents on the grasscourt stage.
(With inputs from agencies)
(Photo credit: PTI)
Kujur's transformation began when he joined the Reliance Foundation programme in December 2022