Giant-killer Medvedev dumps Djokovic to face Goffin in final

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Daniil Medvedev of Russia returns a shot during the semifinal of the Western & Southern Open in Mason, Ohio, August 17, 2019. /VCG Photo

The ongoing Cincinnati Masters has witnessed yet another big upset as defending champion Novak Djokovic was knocked out of the tournament after being beaten by rising Russian star Daniil Medvedev in the semi-final on Saturday.

The tall Russian, who came off after having a dream run to the finals of both the Citi Open and Rogers Cup earlier, accomplished the giant-killing act with a resounding 3-6 6-3 6-3 victory over the Serbian ace at Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio.

Medvedev, 23, now has a chance to break the title jinx after losing the final in both the tournaments in the season's two key tournaments ahead of the upcoming U.S. Open.

Continuing his sublime form, Medvedev made a promising start against the world No. 1 and took a 3-2 lead in the first set. But Djokovic was able to stay in control as the top seeded Serb made the Russian run hard before going behind him and later taking the opening set 6-3.

Medvedev, however, responded by winning the second set by the same score-line with some enterprising tennis. The Russian kept the momentum going in the decisive third set as well and was up a break at 4-2 when he landed this beautiful passing shot. He did it again on match point to win the third set 6-3 to reach his third final in a row.

David Goffin of Belgium hits a forehand shot during the semifinal of the Western & Southern Open in Mason, Ohio, August 17, 2019. /VCG Photo

Meanwhile, 16th seeded Belgian David Goffin advanced to first Masters 1000 final of his career by overpowering France’s Richard Gasquet 6-3, 6-4 in the other semifinal on Saturday.

Earlier, Goffin came out guns ablaze and went up 3-1 in the opening set. The 28-year-old Belgian was clearly on his game as he continually went for the lines and delivered a brilliant winner to claim the set 6-3.

In his attempt to make a comeback, Gasquet went up 2-0 in the second, but Goffin bounced back brilliantly to level the score 3-3 before surging ahead with some clinical winners. Goffin, whose career highlights include coming runner-up in the 2017 ATP Tour Finals, held his nerves. His wait was over when Gasquest hit long to gift his rival a chance to win the biggest title of his career.