Daniil Medvedev played an entertaining match against Carlos Alcaraz earlier today as he bowed out of the China Open at the semi-final stage.
The Spaniard will face world number one Jannik Sinner in the final and that leaves Medvedev to look back on what might have been.
The Russian player played his part in a good match but ultimately couldn’t stop a bang-in-form Alcaraz from reaching the showpiece final.
Medvedev lost 7-5, 6-3 and couldn’t ensure that the final was a repeat of the Australian Open final from earlier this year.
There was also a small rush of blood from the 28-year-old who found himself less than impressed with something that happened in the first set.
What annoyed Daniil Medvedev during defeat to Carlos Alcaraz
The Russian is never backwards in coming forward if something upsets him.
One of his efforts was seemingly unfairly ruled out during the first set and Medvedev let rip at the umpire and his gripe was picked up on the live coverage.
He said: “Why do the ATP buy Hawk Eye services if we can’t see a midpoint call? Don’t buy Hawk Eye guys!”
Medvedev will now look to end the season with a flourish and he can reflect on a largely positive 2024 and take some heart into next year.
Medvedev can win major title in 2025
The 2021 US Open winner hasn’t kicked on since that maiden Grand Slam title and his ability probably does warrant at least one more.
He was unlucky not to beat Sinner in the Australian Open final in January and he’s not lost in three finals in that tournament.
Medvedev has reached the semis at Wimbledon this year too and that’s another tournament where he might fancy a crown one day.
The player has finished this year with a flourish and the hope will be that he can kick on next year and get another major title added to his 20 career titles to day.
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