The heated rivalry between Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev takes centre stage at a Grand Slam for the first time as the two clash in an Australian Open semi-final on Friday night.
The pair already have a noted dislike for one another after meeting six times last year in often controversial matches which went on to form the basis around an episode from the most recent Netflix documentary series Break Point.
To get to the final four, both men have already battled through numerous marathon matches with five-set thrillers becoming their bread and butter in Melbourne.
MORE: Daniil Medvedev vs. Alexander Zverev prediction, odds and betting tips for Aus Open semi-final
Zverev shocked the world when he dispatched Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals, operating at an impressive level as he landed 85 percent of his first serves to ease his way past the Spaniard despite nursing ankle and toe injuries throughout.
“After every match, I’m in the locker room and I’m destroyed,” Medvedev said after outlasting Hubert Hurkacz during testing conditions in his quarter.
However, the Russian will be boosted by the fact that he has won four of his last five matches against Zverev, while also boasting an 11-7 winning record over the German during his career.
“He’s been kicking my ass,” Zverev admitted post-match after securing his semi-final berth.
Although the 26-year-old stated that this time around it would be different as he felt he had finally fully recovered from his extended injury layoff and was ready to challenge the third seed for a place in the Aus Open final against either Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic.
The Sporting News is following the Daniil Medvedev vs. Alexnder Zverev match live, providing score updates, commentary, and highlights as it happens.
Danill Medvedev vs. Alexander Zverev live score
Set 1 Set 2 Set 3 [3] Daniil Medvedev 1 [6] Alexander Zverev (GER)* 4
*Denotes server
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Daniil Medvedev vs. Alexander Zverev live updates, highlights and commentary
*Denotes server
Medvedev* 1-4 Zverev
Zverev whips a brilliant forehand winner down the line after the duo exchange a predominantly backhand heavy rally. However, he then makes an error when coming to the net when he lets a ball fly past him – it lands comfortably in. 15-30. Then yet another double fault. 15-40. And another double fault!
Medvedev 1-3 Zverev*
Zverev with a big serve to start.15-0. The German sprays a forehand wide to level things up. Medvedev struggling to return the serve early as Zverev wraps up two quick points, while finding a winner through his forehand. Another easy hold.
Medvedev* 1-2 Zverev
Double fault to start. 0-15. First long rally of the match and Medvedev goes long. 0-30. And another double fault as the Russian finds himself in big trouble early. Zverev needs just one break point opportunity as he powers a backhand winner to grab the game.
Medvedev 1-1 Zverev*
Medvedev stands nine metres or so behind the baseline to try and counteract the German’s serve. The deep positioning doesn’t help though as he loses the first three points. An easy hold.
Medvedev* 1-0 Zverev
Medvedev charges to the net for volley on the first point then rifles an ace. The Russian holds for an easy service game to love.
Start
Medvedev vs. Zverev is underway!
7.45pm: Zverev won the toss and chose to receive as the final moments of their warm-up nears completion.
7:40pm: The two players are out on court as anticipation builds for this massive clash.
7:20pm: Medvedev and Zverev are vying for the chance to play Jannik Sinner in the final after the Italian shocked 10-time Aussie Open champion Novak Djokovic earlier in the day.
6:45pm: Hello and welcome to The Sporting News’ live coverage of this Australian Open men’s singles semi-final between Daniil Medvedev vs. Alexander Zverev.
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How to watch Daniil Medvedev vs. Alexander Zverev: TV channel, live stream
The second men’s singles semi-final is set to begin at 7.30pm AEDT on Friday, January 26.
Here’s a breakdown of the TV channels and live streams showing the match in the major territories around the world:
Country TV Channel Live Stream USA ESPN, Tennis Channel Fubo , ESPN+ Canada RDS, TSN TSN Direct UK Eurosport discovery+ Australia Channel Nine Stan Sport