Asian Swing: Alcaraz into the Final in Tokyo, Medvedev Defaulted Against Djokovic and Lehecka Seeks First ATP 500 Title

The four finalists for the ATP 500 tournaments in Tokyo and Beijing are locked in after today’s semi-final matches.

Carlos Alcaraz looks to defend his Tokyo title against Jiri Lehecka, while Novak Djokovic will face Alex De Minaur in Beijing after Daniil Medvedev was defaulted from their match.

In a moment of pure anger, the Russian volleyed a ball at a spectator, earning him a disqualification.

Alcaraz wins from a Set Down and looks to defend his title

Alcaraz produced some stunning tennis to beat fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar 5-7, 6-3, 6-1. The world number three continues to improve after his wrist injury but feels he “didn’t play well”.

In a tightly contested opening set, Alcaraz typically dominated from the baseline but struggled with his serve. A part of his game he’s admitted still needs to adapt with both confidence and power.

The reigning champion broke in the seventh game of set one before things began to unravel.

Munar broke Alcaraz to love in game 10 after numerous double faults and unforced errors crept into Alcaraz’s game. A sense of overplaying showed as he tried to rectify errors while serving out the set.

Munar grew in confidence, levelling up the games at five all, winning 12 consecutive points, taking the first set as Alcaraz looked flummoxed at how his standard had significantly dropped.

His signature forehand shot wasn’t landing in the way it had early in the opener, but take nothing away from Munar.

The qualifier produced some passing winners and was aggressive at points, allowing him to dictate rallies.

Alcaraz’s first serve percentage was just above half but fell victim to a lack of power on second serve. He landed 73% of his second serves but won only 33% of the points.

Munar was more potent on second serve, with 93% landing and winning 53% of points after landing.

Regrouping in set two saw Alcaraz secure a break in the opening game; however, service game issues remained, and his opponent broke straight back.

Alcaraz’s forehand rocket pinned Munar into the middle of the baseline, allowing the world number three to pin the corner and find many winners. Breaking serve again before a more routine hold put him in the driving seat.

The Australian Open champion bullied his opposition in each part of the court, with Munar a spectator to the ruthlessness from Alcaraz’s racket.

Alcaraz sealed the set by breaking Munar’s serve, and confidence surged through his veins. With a 71% first-serve points-won percentage and three breaks of serve, Spain’s number one player found his elite level.

The final set was a slaughterfest, with Alcaraz winning 6-1, bringing out his party tricks, including drop shots and disguised volleys.

Munar’s energy levels dropped, and he became accustomed to the winners and Alcaraz’s speed. He lost 12 of his service game points and couldn’t create a break opportunity to cast doubt in his opponent’s mind.

Alcaraz produced 11 winners primarily from his forehand, a venomous flat shot which becomes impossible to return. Munar tried to get closer to the net, but Alcaraz responded with passing shots, leading the set at 5-0.

Munar managed a hold, but the damage was already done. Alcaraz finished out the set on serve and remains undefeated in the Japanese capital.

He faces Jiri Lehecka in the final, which commences Tuesday 6 October at 10 am UK time.

Medvedev’s on-court antics see him disqualified and lose all points gained this week

Third seed Medvedev is notorious for on-court outbursts, and the red mist descended over him again in his semi-final match-up with Djokovic.

While trailing 7-5 and 5-3 in the second set. The Russian retaliated to a Djokovic backhand winner by volleying the ball at a spectator.

He hit the ball into the bystander’s eye, who was then escorted off the court by medical staff.

Senior umpire Mohamed Lahyani was left with no choice but to default Medvedev from the match. Giving Djokovic the win, which sees him into the final in Beijing for the seventh time.

Djokovic has won all six of his previous finals in the Chinese capital and will look to make it seven from seven against De Minaur on Tuesday, 6 October at 12 pm

An apologetic Medvedev spoke to the media after his actions. He said, “ Terribly sorry to the spectator first of all. I’m trying to get in touch with him. Hopefully I can apologise in person.”

The ‘Octopus’ has a history of fines and violations on court, but this is his first default at ATP Pro Tour level. The Russian had found brilliant form over the last few weeks, winning the 250 title in Hangzhou.

After this outburst, he will lose all the points and prize money gained this week; the 30-year-old will remain world number six.

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