Medvedev versus De Minor at the US Open: Breathing concerns and key moments unfold
The fourth-round match at the US Open pitted Russian star Daniil Medvedev against Australian upstart Alex de Minor. The contest faced an unusual interruption when Medvedev requested medical attention, citing respiratory difficulties. The situation drew attention as the world No. 3 sought help on court, prompting a pause in play. (Source: Sports.ru)
After the third game of the first set, Medvedev explained that he was struggling to breathe. His words underscored the physical strain of the match, which was shaped not only by the quality of tennis but also by the heat and humidity of the New York venue. Despite the discomfort, Medvedev pressed on, demonstrating his characteristic resilience on the court.
Discomfort persisted through the early exchanges. It was only after the fifth game, when Medvedev served to his opponent, that a team doctor delivered an inhaler. Medvedev told the attending clinician that he did not have asthma, but that the heat was making breathing more difficult during the match. The device offered relief, allowing him to continue with the match flow while addressing a temporary breathing constraint.
As the first set continued, the scoreline stood at 4-2 in favor of De Minor, who seized the early advantage with aggressive play and steady serving. The match also carried implications for the Russian contingent, since the victor would advance to meet another Russian in the quarterfinals. Andrey Rublev had already defeated Britain’s Jack Draper to move forward, setting up a potential Rublev-Medvedev showdown if Medvedev could rally in his own fourth-round bout. The extended duel progressed over nearly three hours, finishing with Rublev overcoming Draper in four sets, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Medvedev, aged 27, held the title of one of the sport’s top-ranked players, consistently perched among the world’s elite as the season progressed. His performances this year have contributed to his standing, with several titles already captured on the ATP tour, reflecting a successful campaign amid a demanding schedule. The US Open, one of tennis’s four Grand Slam events, occupies a special place in the calendar and serves as a focal point for intense competition each September in New York City. The reigning US Open champion at the time was Carlos Alcaraz, a fellow Spanish competitor who has shaped recent narratives at Flushing Meadows. The tournament’s schedule for the year concluded on September 10, marking a pivotal moment in the late-season stretch for many players. (Source: Sports.ru)
Earlier sections of the day saw Rublev’s turn in the spotlight with a strategic performance that underscored the depth of Russian tennis on display at the event. Questions about future matchups and the potential for a Medvedev-Rublev clash added an extra layer of intrigue for fans watching from North America and around the world. The exchange between players, medical timeouts, and on-court adjustments highlighted how Grand Slam tennis blends peak athleticism with the unpredictable nature of live sport.
As the US Open action continued, spectators in the stands and millions watching on screens learned more about the physical demands on top-tier players. The brief medical interlude and the subsequent rally sequences offered a vivid reminder that even seasoned professionals must manage the body under extreme conditions. The day’s narrative emphasized perseverance, tactical adjustments, and the relentless pursuit of victory that defines contemporary tennis at this level.
In the broader context of the tournament, Medvedev’s path remained one to watch, given his ranking and recent triumphs, while De Minor represented a rising force intent on proving his mettle against a veteran champion. The matchup illustrated the depth of talent across the field and the way physical factors like heat can shape the momentum of a match, influencing shot selection, pacing, and the strategic tempo employed by the players. (Source: Sports.ru)