Tennis News: Novak Djokovic advances to the final after Daniil Medvedev retires will face Stefanos Tsitsipas

The first meeting between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev for the season and the first tournament since Rolland Garros were in the same draw.

Both players put forth an excellent display of intricate and intuitive shots in the intense clash. Daniil Medvedev broke the serve of Novak Djokovic two times in a row. He raced to 40/0 while serving at 5-4 and clinched the opening set 6-4.

After the second-set tie-break, the 35-year-old Serbian legend won the next set 7-6(6). Soon after, Daniil Medvedev was forced to retire due to a leg injury, bringing an unfortunate end to the dramatic match.

Novak Djokovic served three aces, won 74% of the points on the first serve and broke the serve of Daniil Medvedev two times from two opportunities. In contrast, the 26-year-old Russian served nine aces, won 73% of the points on the first serve and committed two double faults.

After the victory, Novak Djokovic said, "It was such a close match, particularly in the second set. I would probably say he was a better player on the court in both sets. I was fighting and trying to find a way. I found a way to win the second, but I am just sad for the tournament and for these people who were enjoying the battle, and for Daniil that it had to end this way."

Novak Djokovic will lock horns with Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in the championship match of the Astana Open on October 9. He aims to win his second consecutive title, having won his 89th tour-level title at the Tel Aviv Open last week.

Stefanos Tsitsipas roared back from a set down to beat Andrey Rublev

Stefanos Tsitsipas roared back from a set down to beat World No. 9 Andrey Rublev 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the semifinal clash of the Astana Open on October 8.

Third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas surpassed the winning tally of Carlos Alcaraz Garfia after beating Andrey Rublev to reach 53 tour-level victories for the season.

Stefanos Tsitsipas took control of the decider by breaking for 5-3. He stayed at the top of his form throughout the decider and quickly served out for the set.

After the victory, Stefanos Tsitsipas said, "I think the heart was very decisive in the end, especially when things got tough. My concentration level spiked up. I think I reached the biggest point of zoning in the last few games of the third set and that helped me slow down time, helped me anticipate a bit better."