Adelaide International 2023: Novak Djokovic vs Daniil Medvedev Tennis Prediction

TennisSection previews the 2023 Adelaide International as Novak Djokovic takes on Daniil Medvedev in the semifinal on Saturday, January 7, 2023.

It is a blockbuster showdown at the 2023 Adelaide International as top seed Novak Djokovic takes third seed Daniil Medvedev. These two titans always get the best out of each other when they meet. So what can we expect in this latest bout Down Under?

Novak Djokovic has navigated his way into a heavyweight semifinal against Daniil Medvedev. But the Serbian’s path was littered with quite a handful of obstacles. After taking down Constant Lestienne (a very trick opener despite the perfunctory scoreline), Djokovic was taken to his absolute limits by Quentin Halys in the second round. The Frenchman’s performance draw glowing praise from Djokovic who called it ‘top 10 tennis by his opponent’. And in the quarterfinals, Djokovic secured three breaks of serve across two sets to knock out Denis Shapovalov. Will he reach another final and contest for a 92nd Tour-level title?

It remains to be seen how Novak Djokovic will solve his latest riddle. Daniil Medvedev is the number three seed at the Adelaide International and his confidence continues to grow with each passing round. After surviving a rollercoaster opener against Lorenzo Sonego, Medvedev has booked his place into the final four without facing too many obstacles despite the names on his path. An assured display in the quarterfinal saw him defeat countryman Karen Khachanov.

Novak Djokovic leads Daniil Medvedev 8-4 in their series. Medvedev and Djokovic have played some of the most intense and physical matches in their rivalry and on the biggest stages. Last year’s ATP Finals group-stage match was a colossal battle even though it was a dead rubber. Medvedev served for the match but couldn’t prevent a Djokovic fightback who went on to win his sixth season-ending championship. Medvedev also pushed the Serb to three sets in the Astana semifinal last year before he retired due to an adductor injury. This should be another intriguing matchup that will generally give each other the chance to assess their respective opponent’s strengths and weaknesses ahead of the Australian Open. Djokovic has clearly been tested and stood up to the task this week, I expect him to withstand another barrage on Saturday at the Adelaide International.