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ANDY MURRAY'S TAKE: DANIIL MEDVEDEV'S ODD TECHNIQUE MAKES HIM 'DIFFERENT

Andy Murray reveals he was a big fan of watching Daniil Medvedev play, praising the Russian's "unorthodox" style and on-court intelligence. Murray lost all three of his professional matches against Medvedev.

Andy Murray's Take: Daniil Medvedev's Odd Technique Makes Him 'Different
Murray Praises Medvedev's Brain Over Technique

Andy Murray has said that he both loved playing and watching tennis during his impressive 19-year career.

Murray ended his tennis career last year at the Paris Olympics, where he played his last match with Dan Evans in the doubles.

After his final match, Murray spent six months coaching Novak Djokovic.

Though Murray has experience playing against and coaching Djokovic, he said back in 2022 that another Grand Slam champ was someone he really liked to watch.

Murray said he was a fan of Daniil Medvedev. He told the media at the ATP 250 event in Metz that year that he enjoyed watching Medvedev play.

Medvedev was ranked number one for 16 weeks in 2022, after winning his first major title at the US Open. Murray said he liked Medvedev’s unique style.

Murray said, “I like watching Medvedev play. His game is different from many players. He seems unorthodox, and I like players who aren't textbook.

He added that, in the UK, coaches focus a lot on perfect technique. But when you watch someone like him, his technique is strange. It doesn't look like he should be as good as he is.

Murray finished by saying that Medvedev is smart on the court, moves well, and knows where to hit the ball. It’s not just how you hit it, but where.

When Murray played Medvedev, things weren't quite so enjoyable for Murray.

Murray played Medvedev three times but never won a set, and all their matches were on hard courts.

Their last match was in the Qatar Open final in 2023, where Medvedev stopped Murray from winning.

Now that he’s retired, Murray can just watch Medvedev, who has had a tough time in 2025.

Medvedev only won one Grand Slam match this year, though he saw a slight comeback near the end of the season and finished just outside the top 10.

WHY ARYNA SABALENKA’S CLINICAL DEMOLITION OF MUCHOVA MAKES HER THE MELBOURNE FAVORITE

Aryna Sabalenka beats Muchova to reach her third straight Brisbane final. She faces giant-killer Marta Kostyuk for the 2026 title.

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Aryna Sabalenka cruises past Karolina Muchova to set up Kostyuk showdown

Aryna Sabalenka powered past Karolina Muchova in straight sets on Saturday, booking her spot in the Brisbane International final for the third year in a row—just a week out from the Australian Open.

Sabalenka looked sharp. Muchova, who’s had the upper hand in their last three matches and actually holds a winning record against the world number one, came in as a real threat. But Sabalenka didn’t care about history. She broke Muchova once in each set, kept her foot on the gas, and closed out the semifinal 6-3, 6-4 in 89 minutes. Now, she’ll face Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in Sunday’s final.

On the men’s side, Daniil Medvedev, the former world number one, gets unseeded American Brandon Nakashima in the final.

“I’ve struggled against her before,” Sabalenka said about Muchova. “But today, I stayed focused from the start, played some great tennis, put her under pressure, and I’m happy to get it done in straight sets.”

The 27-year-old from Belarus feels her game is clicking more with every match in Brisbane—she hasn’t dropped a set yet. With seven of the world’s top ten in the draw, she says this is perfect prep for Melbourne, where the Australian Open starts January 18. Sabalenka’s eyeing her third Australian Open title in four years.

“Honestly, compared to my first match here, I can feel my level going up,” she said. “That’s huge before Melbourne. It’s about building form, playing tough matches, and getting ready for what’s next. I’m really happy with how it’s going and can’t wait for the final.”

Kostyuk, ranked 26th, absolutely steamrolled world number six Jessica Pegula, 6-0, 6-3, in just 55 minutes—a masterclass in power and aggression. That’s three top-ten wins in a row for her. Before Pegula, she took out world number three Amanda Anisimova in the third round, then ninth-ranked Mirra Andreeva in the quarters.

“Today was just one of those days where everything goes right,” Kostyuk said, grinning. “Honestly, I haven’t had many matches like this, especially against top-10 players. It’s a huge bonus, especially in these tough Brisbane conditions—hot and humid.”

Kostyuk has never beaten Sabalenka in four tries, but she’s not feeling the pressure.

“All the pressure’s on her. I just want to go out, play well, and give the crowd a good show,” she said. “I’ve got nothing to lose.”

In the men’s semifinals, Medvedev beat American Alex Michelsen 6-4, 6-2, and Nakashima knocked out another American, Aleksandar Kovacevic, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4.

FOUR IN A ROW? THE RECORD-BREAKING STAT COCO GAUFF JUST SET AGAINST IGA SWIATEK

Coco Gauff dominates Iga Swiatek at the United Cup. Poland advances to the final as Swiatek opts for private Australian Open prep.

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Coco Gauff stuns Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-2 to keep USA hopes alive

Coco Gauff handed Iga Swiatek a tough loss in the United Cup semi-final, stopping Swiatek’s unbeaten run at the tournament. Gauff took control early and never really let go, winning 6-4, 6-2. That win kept the United States alive after Taylor Fritz lost to Hubert Hurkacz in the first match.

Swiatek hadn’t dropped a singles match at the United Cup before running into Gauff, who now has Swiatek’s number—four straight wins. After the match, Swiatek went online to share how she felt about her first loss of the season.

Even with Swiatek losing, Poland still clinched a spot in the final thanks to Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zieliński, who beat Gauff and Christian Harrison in doubles. Next up for Poland: a showdown with Switzerland. Swiatek is set to face Belinda Bencic in singles.

On Instagram, Swiatek admitted the loss stung but tried to keep things positive. “Challenging day for me today, but some important lessons to be learned. I’m super grateful for my team and their passion,” she wrote. She also praised her teammates for fighting through and getting Poland to the final: “What a fight tonight! See you in the final tomorrow with another chance.”

Before Gauff stopped her, Swiatek had beaten Eva Lys, Maya Jantchou, and Suzan Lamens in singles at the United Cup.

So, what’s next for Swiatek before the Australian Open? There’s a week between the United Cup and the start of the tournament, but she’s not playing any warm-up events. While other top players are heading to Adelaide or Hobart, Swiatek has decided to train in private instead.

She’s made it clear before that she isn’t a fan of the crowded WTA schedule and doesn’t mind taking a sanction if it means skipping some tournaments. So, it’s not really shocking she’s sitting out before Melbourne.

Historically, the Australian Open hasn’t been her best Grand Slam—she’s never won it, and her deepest run was the semi-finals. The last time she got that far, Madison Keys knocked her out before going on to win the whole thing in 2025. Now, Swiatek’s looking for another shot at the title that’s eluded her.

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