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Medvedev Rising-The Russian phenomenon ousts Nadal from top 2

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Daniil Medvedev has been a revelation in men’s tennis,the likes of which hasn’t been seen for a long long time now.

And in a first for years, the NextGen sensation has entered the top 2 of ATP rankings just behind the evergreen Novak Djokovic. The last time that a member outside of the big 4 occupied a top spot was way back in 2005 when the erstwhile great  Lleyton Hewitt occupied the 2nd spot. Interestingly, it was Rafael Nadal who had dethroned Hewitt and now Medvedev has dethroned Nadal to complete the circle.

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This perhaps also signals that after years of delay and countless false dawns,there finally seems to be a contender who takes the baton forwards in men’s tennis.

A breakthrough year for Medvedev-

 The 25-year-old Russian, who was beaten by world number one Novak Djokovic in this year’s Australian Open final, was elevated to second thanks to his win in the final of the Marseille tournament on Sunday. His 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4 victory against Pierre-Hugues Herbert made him just the fifth player to occupy the number two spot in the 16 years since July 2005

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Also read:From Basel to Tokyo: Federer eyes the 2021 Olympics as a final hurrah!.

Apart from Djokovic and Nadal, only Roger Federer and Andy Murray have held the position in that time.

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“I am really happy. I knew that I would become No. 2 no matter what on Monday,” said Medvedev after the fantastic achievement.

“It is always better when you step up the rankings when you do something great,” he added

As of now, the Russian base-liner owns a 14-2 record in 2021, and has won 23 of his last 25 matches, besides achieving the 2nd spot.

ATP rankings as of March 15:

1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 12008 pts

2. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 9940 (+1)

3. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 9670 (-1)

4. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 8625

5. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 6765

6. Roger Federer (SUI) 6375

7. Alexander Zverev (GER) 5635

8. Andrey Rublev (RUS) 5011

9. Diego Schwartzman (ARG) 3640

10. Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 3453

Legends on Medvedev’s epic rise-

The journey had started for Medvedev,much earlier.It was the US Open final of 2019 when the talented Russian announced himself on the biggest of stages.

And while the win may have been Nadal’s the praise was there for medvedev.

The way that he fought, the way that he played, is a champion’s way,” Nadal told the gathered media that evening.

That ‘champion’s way’ has paid off for Medvedev. 

“He’s just so solid,” observed Novak Djokovic, who’s thrice been on the losing end against Medvedev, but who last Monday become the longest-reigning World No. 1 in FedEx ATP Rankings history [read immersive tribute]. “I heard Jim Courier calling him a master chess player because of the way he tactically positions himself on the court, and it’s true. He’s definitely a very smart tennis player.”

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