The ultimate probability for title glory of the 2023 ATP Tour season additionally represents a possibility for Arthur Fils and Hamad Medjedovic to hitch 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 hitch 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 larger than Medjedovic within the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, the Frenchman will take nothing as a right in opposition to a participant who has thrilled followers this week together with his highly effective groundstrokes and large serving.
“We’ve identified one another a very long time,” mentioned 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 tricky one. I’m going to wish to know precisely the best way to play, with good ways, however I believe that it’s going to be match for certain.
“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 can be superb for the subsequent era [on Tour], however not tomorrow I hope.”
Fils confirmed spectacular composure to down his buddy 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 very good match,” mentioned Medjedovic on Saturday. “Arthur is a very good participant, he’s already [World No.36]. He’s a very good buddy of mine as properly. I’ve identified him for a very long time and I’m excited to play him tomorrow.”
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Fils received 19 tour-level matches in 2023 and lifted his maiden ATP Tour title in Lyon in Might, 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,” mentioned Medjedovic when requested how a lot profitable would enhance him heading into 2024. “Particularly if I win the entire match. I’m joyful to be within the ultimate, however the job isn’t performed but and I wish to win tomorrow.”