Astana Open semifinal: Djokovic faces Medvedev first time in 2022. Djokovic and Medvedev are world number one and number 2 in the ATP rankings in 2021. They have played together only twice in singles events. The year 2021 is the ATP Finals and this year the French Open. Djokovic was not allowed to compete in the Australian Open due to the covid 19 vaccination.
Medvedev lost Indian Wells final with Rafael Nadal. Djokovic was unable to enter the Indian Wells and Miami Masters events due to the covid 19 vaccination. The US allows foreigners who have been vaccinated against the virus to enter its territory.
| Games | NOVAK DJOKOVIC | DANIIL MEDVEDEV |
| Titles in 2021 | 3 | 1 |
| Ranking | 7 | 4 |
| Head to Head | 6 | 4 |
Djokovic defeated the Russian 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 in his ninth title. In the final of the US Open, he had a solid victory over the Serb with a score of 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. Djokovic’s plan to become the first man to complete the calendar slam in 52 years was spoiled. Djokovic defeated Medvedev 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the Paris Masters final to reach a set.
After 18 years, three weeks and six days, he became the first player to top the world rankings. Djokovic played a very good game during the play court season but the Russian was sidelined for most of the season due to a hernia operation. After the attack by Russia on Greene, the organizers banned Russian and Belarusian players and could not enter the competition between them.
In response, the ATP and WTA decided not to award any ranking points. Currently ranked world No. 4 and seventh respectively, Medvedev and Zakkavic will renew the rivalry in 2021 when they take to the court at the National Terence Center in the capital.
