That was a pretty monumental collapse from Medvedev. I hadn't thought of the YE#1 until you mentioned it, (which always seemed like a long-shot for anyone but Novak,) but I wonder if it got into his head? Or the pressure of being the #1 seed? In any case, Medvedev is an unreliable #2, at best. His backhand always reminded me of Safin's, and now so does his head. (With less breaking of racquets.)
And it's not the first time that he choked like that. Agree, he can be unreliable and similar to all younger guys compared to big3 when it comes to playing week in week out.
That’s why we have to “lower” some type expectations on these “young” guys. Personally, while it was “shocking” that Medvedev lost that way, I won’t be surprised if Medvedev goes another run like he did last year at the end of 2020. Also, while he can get over his head sometimes, I still trust him, at least on hardcourts, over Tsitsipas and Zverev.
And this is why the Big 3 are what they are. Year-in/year-out of not just winning a few things, but most everything. I think it's hard for all of us to even appreciate anymore what that kind of concentration and consistency it takes, because Roger, Rafa and Novak have made it look, if not easy, at least possible. But then everyone in their wake...Lost Gen, Next Gen, Next Next Gen...proves just how hard it is. I think that's why, when we look at the youngsters, a lot of us seem to be noting the ones that seem to have a certain stability and maturity, along with skills. Which is why Sinner lights up for a lot of people. (Yes, he lost yesterday. But he's young.) I'm not saying that Medvedev is a lost cause because of what happened yesterday. He will likely even be the first of the rest to get to #1, but he'll always be in the scrum and won't rise to the level of world beater, if you ask me. I give him 3 Majors, tops.
Pressure and expectations change which puts top players in precarious positions; esp. late in the season when they're run down! I love how the American is excelling, but it won't last! Playing good, solid tennis only gets you so far! To reach and stay at or near the top a real weapon is needed! Isner and Querrey have skated thru with mostly their serves and an honory mention of their forehands and net play! Taylor's had a nice run, but I can't see it going on for any significant length of time! He still needs a player to self-destruct to help along the way! JUST SAYING!
Dimitrov v Norrie, Fritz v Basilashvili. Land of opportunity in a MS 1000. Norrie has been flying under the radar this year, with as many wins as Novak. And Fritz is a local favorite. Should be interesting.
Honestly, I think that's a terrible excuse. Medvedev had the perfect opportunity to rack up points and put himself in position to claim the YE#1. And he blew it. Then Zverev is in the pole position...and he can't do it. I know why @rafanoy1992 asked me not to expect them to be the Big 3, and I don't. But I'd like to see the fire in the belly that makes one of these top contenders recognize the opportunity and seize it. Instead, they fold. It's discouraging.I did mention that this was Sasha's tournament to lose,apparently he took me seriously
This has been one weird tournament for upsets,though I think a lot of players are running on fumes at this time of the year
I take your point,I also agree with Rafanoy you cannot expect them to be the Big 3.Quite frankly I do not think players like Med,Sasha and The Young Greek have shown to date they have 'fire in their bellies' to me they arent really top contenders.
I think, as several have said, like El Dude, that we may be heading for a period like the late 90s, where there is no obvious top player or even group of them.
