There are many ways to win a tennis match. During this year’s US Open, USOpen.org will be playing a numbers game, digging deeper into the statistical analysis of select matches to provide highlights, further insights and data points on player performance.
Daniil Medvedev continues his quest for a maiden Grand Slam after beating Dominik Koepfer, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2, in the second round of the 2021 US Open. We analyzed the challenge facing Medvedev's future opponents.
The Baseline Battle
Medvedev is the third highest-ranked player in points won from the baseline since 2017, marginally behind serial champions Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
% Baseline points won
- #1 Novak Djokovic 57.0%
- #2 Rafael Nadal 56.9%
- #3 Daniil Medvedev 55.7%
- #4 Dominic Thiem 55.0%
Our analysis shows Medvedev is number one for groundstroke consistency since 2017:
Groundstroke consistency
- #1 Daniil Medvedev 90.8%
- #2 Roberto Bautista Agut 90.5%
- #3 Novak Djokovic 89.8%
Medvedev creates physically demanding points for his opponents, as demonstrated by today's 6.2 average rally length, the second-longest we have seen at this year's Open.
When an opponent does manage to gain an advantage in the point, the tall Russian is one of the best defenders in the tournament, demonstrated in this match by still winning 45% of points (US Open average 35%) when in defense against Koepfer.
The Medvedev Serve
Medvedev is more than a consistent player—his first serve is crucial to his game plan, averaging 122 mph (US Open average: 116 mph). It adds a vital weapon to contrast his relentless groundstroke consistency.
With not many players able to match Medvedev's consistency, it may take a player with powerful weapons to stop the Russian from claiming the title.