Vienna Open: Daniil Medvedev solves Denis Shapovalov's riddle and takes the title

The world no. 3 Daniil Medvedev advanced to the championship match of the Vienna Open without dropping even a single set. Denis Shapovalov began the opening set aggressively and fired 21 winners to dominate Daniil Medvedev 4-6 to gain a one-set lead. 

However, the 26-year-old Russian discovered his rhythm in the second set and dragged the Canadian into long rallies to force the match into a decider. He put forth an excellent display of creative shotmaking, firing 24 winners and breaking the serve of his Canadian opponent five times in the final set to claim his second tour-level title of the season after two hours and 16 minutes of play.

Daniil Medvedev served six aces, won 72% of the points on the first serve and broke the serve of Denis Shapovalov five times from 11 opportunities. In contrast, the 23-year-old Canadian served six aces, won 79% of the points on the first serve and committed six double faults.

After the victory, Daniil Medvedev said, “I am really happy. This match was the best of the week because Denis was playing unreal until probably 4-3 in the second set. I am looking forward to the last two tournaments of the year, which are really important. I usually play well.”

The victory extended the win-loss record of Daniil Medvedev against Denis Shapovalov to 4-2 and his record for the season to 45-15. Daniil Medvedev claimed the title at Los Cabos Open and advanced to the championship match of the Australian Open earlier this year.

Denis Shapovalov was aiming to win the second tour-level title of his career after winning his maiden title at the Stockholm Open in 2019.

Daniil Medvedev will now seek to win his second ATP Masters 1000 title at the Rolex Paris Masters. He has received a first-round bye and will begin his campaign in the second round of the masters 1000 event on the indoor hardcourts in Paris on November 1.