Beijing Preview: Daniil Medvedev to see how he stacks up against "in the zone" Carlos Alcaraz

Can Daniil Medvedev end a title drought going on 17 months?

If the 2021 US Open champion wants a shot at doing just that, he’ll first need to figure out how to get past Carlos Alcaraz.

“I think for me, and I think I'm not the only one to say it, when he's in the zone, he's probably the best player in the world,” believes Medvedev. “Tough to play him. I feel like now he's in the zone. So it’s (a) great test for me.”

The pair of competitors are set to duel in Beijing, with neither dropping a set en route to the China Open semifinals. Alcaraz dispatched Karen Khachanov in his latest victory, while Medvedev dismissed Flavio Cobolli.

“I always try to put some pressure when they're serving just to in a certain way (tell) them that I'm going to be there,” Alcaraz told press Monday about his competitive mindset. “If they want to win the service game or to beat me, they have to accept the battle and (play) really good tennis. For me, it's what I'm trying to show them all the time.”

I think for me, and I think I'm not the only one to say it, when he's in the zone, he's probably the best player in the world. —Daniil Medvedev on Carlos Alcaraz

The Spaniard holds a 5-2 advantage over Medvedev, winning their past three encounters that include 2024 take downs in the Indian Wells final and Wimbledon semifinals. Alcaraz is bidding to clinch his first title on Asian soil in just his second appearance during the fall swing. He surpassed 200 career wins when he beat Tallon Griekspoor in the second round.

Medvedev is the returning runner-up, having been outclassed by Jannik Sinner after the Italian knocked out Alcaraz in last year’s final four. The current world No. 4 is 1-2 against Alcaraz on hard courts, notably winning their 2023 US Open semifinal.

Of Medvedev’s 20 career tour-level crowns, all have come in different cities. In case you’re wondering, the 28-year-old is yet to triumph in Beijing…