Continuing our Best of 2021 Season In Review series, ATPTour.com revisits the biggest rivalries of 2019. Today we feature Daniil Medvedev vs. Alexander Zverev
Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev headed into 2021 with the same goal as they looked to close the gap on World No. 1 Novak Djokovic and capture their first major titles.
The pair, however, would also have to overcome each other if they wanted to lift the biggest trophies on Tour, with Medvedev holding the edge entering the year, having won their past two meetings.
In 2021, It did not take long for the two to renew their rivalry.
ATP Cup, SF, Medvedev d. Zverev 3-6, 6-3, 7-5
In just the first week of the season, Medvedev and Zverev met in Melbourne as they competed for Russia and Germany respectively at the ATP Cup.
The World No. 2 had swept aside Diego Schwartzman and Kei Nishikori in his opening two matches of the year, while Zverev had downed Denis Shapovalov before he lost to Novak Djokovic in three…