In a dramatic turn of events at the 2023 US Open, Russian tennis sensation Daniil Medvedev has raised alarms about the perilous playing conditions. After securing his spot in the semi-finals by defeating fellow Russian Andrey Rublev, Medvedev voiced his concerns, stating that a player could potentially "die" due to the sweltering heat and humidity.
The quarter-final match, which took place under a partially closed roof at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, saw both players visibly struggling. Medvedev, the third seed for this year's US Open, was candid about his discomfort. During the match, he remarked to the camera, "One player is going to die and you are going to see." Such a statement underscores the severity of the conditions the athletes were subjected to.
Both Medvedev and Rublev sought relief from the oppressive heat, utilizing bathroom breaks to douse themselves with cool water and employing ice towels. However, these measures offered minimal comfort. Medvedev acknowledged the challenges of altering the tournament schedule due to weather conditions, especially given the long-established tour calendar and the potential inconvenience to fans who traveled from afar.
Despite the adverse conditions, the match lasted two hours and 48 minutes. Medvedev, who clinched the US Open title in 2021, is on track to secure his second Grand Slam title. Interestingly, Rublev isn't just another opponent for Medvedev; the two have shared a close bond since they were six years old. Their off-court camaraderie is well-known, with both considering each other as family. Yet, on the court, they are fierce competitors.
Medvedev's journey to the title won't be easy. He is set to face defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals. Alcaraz, along with second seed Novak Djokovic, is among the favorites to win the championship. Djokovic, on the other hand, will be squaring off against Ben Shelton in another high-stakes semi-final match. Medvedev's previous victory over Djokovic in the 2021 US Open final adds another layer of anticipation to this year's tournament.
The men's singles semi-finals are slated for Friday, with the grand finale scheduled for Sunday. As the tennis world watches with bated breath, questions about player safety and the responsibility of tournament organizers remain at the forefront.
