Daniil Medvedev vs Novak Djokovic Prediction: Djokovic’s Straight Victory

Former World No. 1s Daniil Medvedev and Novak Djokovic will face off in the 2022 ATP Finals group round on Friday.

Daniil Medvedev

After falling to Andrey Rublev in three sets in his opening group encounter, Medvedev found himself in the difficult situation of needing to win his following match against Stefanos Tsitsipas. He gave up an early break and trailed 3-0 in the first set. The Russian struggled to recover from the disadvantage and eventually dropped the set.

In the second set, no player came close to a break point, forcing a tie-break. Medvedev led 4-1 but let it go as Tsitsipas rallied back. The 2021 US Open champion then saved three match points to win the tie-break and force a deciding set.

Medvedev was the first player to go up a break in the third set, leading 5-3. He later served for the match at 5-4, but was broken as Tsitsipas rallied. The Greek then forced a tie-break, which he easily won, to overcome the 26-year-old 6-3, 6-7 (11), 7-6. (1). The Russian has been knocked out of the tournament.

Novak Djokovic

Djokovic faced Andrey Rublev in his second group encounter after defeating Tsitsipas in straight sets. For the most of the opening set, both players maintained a consistent serve. With the Russian serving to keep the match alive at 5-4, the 35-year-old broke his opponent's serve to win the set.

Djokovic improved much more in the second set. He embarked on a three-game winning streak to take a 3-0 lead. Following a service hold by Rublev, the Serb won the following three games to win the match 6-4, 6-1 and advance to the semifinals.

Expert Betting Tips

At his best, Medvedev is capable of challenging and even defeating Djokovic. But he hasn't been himself since his defeat at the Australian Open earlier this year. It appears to have psychologically scarred him, as he has struggled to win close matches against top players since. Given the Serb's present level, he should have an easy victory.

• Total Over 21.5 for 1.898
• Handiсap Novak Djokovic (-3.5) for 1.81
• Individual Total 1 Under 10.5 for 1.84