Daniil Medvedev is ready for a deep run at the 2024 Australian Open after reaching the quarterfinals on Monday. The No.3 seed ousted Nuno Borges, 6-3, 7-6(4), 5-7, 6-1, and showed he can challenge the elite players in a major.
“I know what I’m worth. I know how good I can play. I’m ready,” the Russian said in the post-match interview.
“We can talk forever about who is ready, who is favorite. You need to win,” he added.
The 27-year-old Russian cited the 2021 US Open as proof that he can compete against the best. Medvedev toppled world No.1 Novak Djokovic in the final to claim his first Grand Slam title.
Medvedev was challenged late as Borges forced a fourth set after the world No.3 had two match points at 5-4. But the Portuguese could not sustain his momentum in dragging the match to a deciding fifth set.
“As soon as I hit one shot that was aggressive or deep enough, he (Borges) would just go full power,” the former world No.1 said. “It was pretty impressive.”
Medvedev will face either No.9 Hubert Hurkacz of Poland or wild-card entry Arthur Cazaux of France for a place in the semifinals.
