Nick Kyrgios reveals his pick between Carlos Alcaraz & Daniil Medvedev in Wimbledon 2024 blockbuster SF
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has shared his prediction for the Wimbledon 2024 semifinal match between Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev. The 2022 Wimbledon finalist believes the Spaniard will victorious, noting that Alcaraz excels at employing his preferred style of play on grass.
Alcaraz has demonstrated solid tennis while defending his Wimbledon title despite facing an early second-round exit at the Queen's Club Championships, the only grasscourt tournament he played before the London Major. The Spaniard defeated Mark Lajal, Aleksandar Vukic, Frances Tiafoe and Ugo Humbert before his triumph over Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals.
Daniil Medvedev, meanwhile, eliminated the top seed Jannik Sinner 6-7 (9), 6-4, 7-6 (7), 2-6, 3-6, in the quarterfinals to set up a rematch of last year's Wimbledon semifinal with the defending champion.
Nick Kyrgios shared his prediction on his Instagram stories, writing that Alcaraz has the advantage and can capitalize on his drop shots and creativity on the surface. He added that Medvedev has a tough match-up against the Spaniard and that he must serve well and control the rallies to win the contest.
"First semifinal breakdown - Extremely tough match up for Medvedev especially on the grass, allows Alcaraz to come forward and play a style of tennis that he loves - can incorporate drop shots and creativity. If Medvedev is to have a chance he needs a great serving day high 60% to low 70%, first serve percentage. He will also need to take more risk from the back of the court and dictate majority of rallies instead of being OK with having extended rallies," Kyrgios wrote.
The 29-year-old added that Alcaraz would win the contest in four or five sets even though the Russian had a solid performance against Jannik Sinner.
"My prediction will be Alcaraz in 4-5 sets. Medvedev was Rock solid against Sinner, but Sinner was so reluctant to come forward and serve and Volley. Where as Alcaraz has proved he is willing to follow the game plan to defeat Meddy. ( Last year Wimbledon 23') once again," he added.
Alcaraz holds the head-to-head advantage over Medvedev at 4-2, having defeated the Russian at their last meeting in the ATP Masters 1000 in Indian Wells.
"I just tried to fight for every ball" - Carlos Alcaraz on his 3R win at Wimbledon 2024
Carlos Alcaraz was asked to comment on his determination while facing opponents during the on-court interview after his victory over Ugo Humbert in the fourth round of the London Major.
The Spaniard had shown his will to fight until the last ball regardless of the difficulties posed by his opponent during the match.
"Unbelievable, I guess. I just tried to fight for every ball. It doesn't matter which part of the court I am in, just giving myself the chance to stay alive in the point...on set point. That was a really important point for me. So, I had to show the opponent that it didn't matter what he was going to do, I am going to be there, fighting until the last ball," he said.
Alcaraz's upcoming clash against Medvedev marks his sixth appearance in a Grand Slam semifinal.