The ultimate probability for title glory of the 2023 ATP Tour season additionally represents a chance for Arthur Fils and Hamad Medjedovic to affix a formidable listing of champions on the Subsequent Gen ATP Finals offered by NEOM.
High seed Fils and sixth seed Medjedovic face off at 8 p.m. native time Saturday at King Abdullah Sports activities Metropolis, the place they’re every hoping to affix present High 10 stars Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Stefanos Tsitsipas as champions on the season-ending 21-and-under occasion.
Each gamers head into the championship match undefeated for the week in Saudi Arabia and their maiden Lexus ATP Head2Head assembly guarantees to be an intriguing one. Regardless of Fils sitting 74 locations increased than Medjedovic within the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, the Frenchman will take nothing with no consideration in opposition to a participant who has thrilled followers this week together with his highly effective groundstrokes and large serving.
“We’ve recognized one another a very long time,” stated the World No. 36 Fils on Friday in Jeddah. “We performed juniors collectively, so I do know that he has an unbelievable serve. The quickest of the match. It’s going to be a troublesome one. I’m going to want to know precisely how you can play, with good ways, however I believe that it’s going to be a great match for positive.
“Together with his tennis and my tennis, we’re altogether enjoying [well]. Let’s see tomorrow, however he’s a pleasant man. I hope he will likely be excellent for the subsequent technology [on Tour], however not tomorrow I hope.”
Fils confirmed spectacular composure to down his pal and countryman Luca Van Assche in 4 units within the semi-finals on Friday, earlier than Medjedovic superior after Dominic Stricker (again) retired within the second set of their last-four conflict. The 20-year-old Serbian is trying ahead to reigniting his junior rivalry with Fils when the pair steps out within the first ATP-sanctioned title match on Saudi Arabian soil.
“I believe it’s going to be a extremely good match,” stated Medjedovic on Saturday. “Arthur is a extremely good participant, he’s already [World No.36]. He’s a extremely good pal of mine as effectively. I’ve recognized him for a very long time and I’m excited to play him tomorrow.”
Fils gained 19 tour-level matches in 2023 and lifted his maiden ATP Tour title in Lyon in Could, whereas Medjedovic reached his first semi-finals at that degree in Gstaad and Astana and likewise lifted three trophies on the ATP Challenger Tour. Having every loved breakthrough years, each will wish to end 2023 with a flourish by turning into Subsequent Gen ATP Finals champion in Jeddah.
“To finish the yr like that is at all times good,” stated Medjedovic when requested how a lot successful would enhance him heading into 2024. “Particularly if I win the entire match. I’m blissful to be within the last, however the job shouldn’t be carried out but and I wish to win tomorrow.”
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