The continuing rise of Russian tennis continued earlier today when Daniil Medvedev reached the final of the Australian Open. Medvedev beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to set up a showdown with eight-time champion Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s final.

The Russian at the moment is on an astonishing run of form having won twenty consecutive matches. Medvedev will be looking to win his first Grand Slam title in his second major final.

Medvedev aiming to become first Russian male champion since 2005

After losing in the 2019 US Open Final, Medvedev will aim to become the first Russian male champion since 2005. Marit Safin beat Lleyton Hewitt in the final in 2005 to match his compatriot Yevgeny Kafelnikov’s tally of two Grand Slam titles.

The continual presence of Russian players progressing up the rankings was highlighted this week when three reached the last eight of the Australian Open. Fourth seed Medvedev, seventh seed Andrey Rublev joined qualifier Aslan Karatsev in the quarter-finals to continue the Russian revolution.

Russian tennis rebounding back to success after 15 years

This transformation of Russian tennis is a welcome breath of fresh air to the sport. It has taken 15 years of hard work with various coaches for the likes of Medvedev, Rublev and co. to come to the attention of the world.

Karasev even considered at one point to give up the sport in 2017 when he suffered from a knee injury but carried on. Credit to him for this and he is already reaping the rewards for his decision.

Momentum shifting from the women to the men

For years the focus of Russian tennis has been on the rise of WTA players such as Maria Sharapova, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Anastasia Myskina. The momentum has now shifted from the ladies to the men.

After Nikolay Davydenko retired, Mikhail Youzhny played until 2108 there wasn’t much to shout about Russian tennis. Now everything has changed with Medvedev and co reaching the top ten where they are looking to stay.

Along with Karen Khachanov, having healthy competition amongst this group of talented Russian players is helping them excel to great heights.

The time has come shortly for a talented Russian to win a major

To continue the Russian tennis success story, it can’t be to long before one of these talented players will lift a grand slam title.

Djokovic will start as favourite in Sunday’s final, but don’t rule out the chances of Medvedev. Anybody who has won twenty matches in a row can’t be taken lightly, even if you are up against the worlds greatest gunning for a ninth Australian Open title.