MELBOURNE: Russia's Daniil Medvedev insists the pressure is all on defending champion Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final on Sunday after he breezed past Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets in the semi-finals on Friday.
Medvedev, now into his second Grand Slam decider on the back of a 20-match winning streak, said the world No.1 has "more things to lose" in tomorrow's showdown.
Serbia's Djokovic, with 17 major titles, has won all eight of his Australian Open finals and is looking to close the gap on the record of 20 Slam trophies held by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
"I like that I don't have a lot of pressure because he never lost in eight times that he was here in the final," said the 25-year-old world No.4.
"So it's him who has all the pressure, getting to Roger and Rafa in the Grand Slams [list].
"So I just hope that I'm going to get out there, show my best tennis. As we see I can beat some big names if I play good.
"For sure he has more experience, but more things to lose."
Medvedev, a 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 winner against Tsitsipas, has now beaten 12 top-10 players and lifted three trophies during his winning run.
He said the lessons learned in his debut Slam final, when he came from two sets down to give Nadal a huge scare at the 2019 US Open, would help him tomorrow.
"It's experience, it was my first Grand Slam final against one of the greatest. On Sunday I'm going to come against one of the other greatest," he said.
"I played against Rafa in this crazy US Open match. It's an experience that maybe, if we're going to have some crazy match, can turn some things for me and not against me."
Tsitsipas said Medvedev has all the weapons to dethrone Djokovic.
"I wouldn't be surprised to see Daniil win the tournament," said the fifth seed.
Tsitsipas believes the "smart" Medvedev has a near-complete game.
The Greek once described Medvedev's playing style as "boring," but he has changed his opinion after being on the end of an authoritative masterclass that neutralised his attacking skills.
"Let me tell you that he's a player who has unlocked pretty much everything in the game," he said.
"It's like he's reading the game really well. He has this amazing serve which I would describe close to John Isner's serve. And then he has amazing baseline which makes it extremely difficult.
"So even if you return the serve, you don't guarantee that you're going to win the point.
"He tricks you. You know, he plays the game really smart. It's really interesting to see that."
Tsitsipas departs Melbourne Park after a stellar run, including a memorable five-set upset of Nadal in the quarter-finals, but also a third failure in Grand Slam semi-finals.
He said he was disappointed, but could take away some valuable lessons.
"I have learned a lot. Had a lot of learning experience from those three matches," he said.
"It's a shame. You know, you come so close, you work so hard, and everyone is dreaming of a Grand Slam victory.
"Playing in a semi-final is a difficult thing. I just need to find a way to get there and just be in the same state of mind.
"I've proven that I have the level to beat these players.
"Let's hope for something better next time. I really hope it comes."