Top seed Daniil Medvedev beaten by Nick Kyrgios at US Open
Dmitry Alexeev and Alexander Grischuk have a 4-3-1 record
Dmitry Alexeev advanced to the quarter-finals as part of the wildcard in the men’s singles event at the US Open following a 4-3, 3-6, 7-6 (3) loss to qualifier Nick Kyrgios.
The 29-year-old American lost his last two matches of 2013, all on clay, to Novak Djokovic in the third round and Andy Murray in the round of 16.
In his first match of 2014, Alexeev, who reached the 2012 Shanghai Open final, faced off against the world No. 8 in St. Petersburg, losing 6-2, 6-3. It was the third time Alexeev had lost to Kyrgios in the past four years, having been beaten in the 2013 French Open and 2013 Wimbledon.
“It’s always hard to go against the best player in your career,” Alexeev said. “I think it’s a little bit like being a beginner, the first time you try something. He’s a player that plays different positions for me. It’s going to be difficult for me today.”
Alexander Grischuk defeated compatriot Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the world No. 9, 7-6 (5), 6-4, to set up a semifinal match against world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.
Grischuk looked sharper in his last match against the Croat, as he looked to extend his record of consecutive finals. He broke serve three times at 1-0, and the Russian pulled off some incredible shots, especially a forehand into the corner that Djokovic could only parry.
“This is a very difficult match for me because of the level he plays at and in different positions,” Grischuk said. “I know Novak as a very aggressive player and I know how to come back from the rallies.”
Grischuk is looking to set up a possible semifinal rematch against Djokovic, who beat him in the 2012 French Open final, his only loss of the year. The two-time defending champion also is seeking a
