Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev put on quite a show in the semi-finals of the Astana Open, but the Russian unexpectedly retired before the deciding set and the Serb will meet Stefanos Tsitsipas for the trophy.

Novak DjokovicPhoto: Ariel Schalit/AP/Profimedia

Novak Djokovic in the ATP Astana final after ousting Danylo Medvedev

Medvedev, the second favorite in the ATP 500 competition, won the first set after coming back from two wins 6-4. The balance remained even in the second set, but Nole managed to win the tiebreak after several intense exchanges: 7-6(6).

Despite the fact that he did not seem to have any problems, Daniil decided to end his career before the third set. According to the organizers, the Russian injured his adductor muscles and did not want to push himself.

At the end of the match, Nole said that Medevdev’s decision shocked him: “I was ready to fight in the third set.”

At the moment when Daniil Medvedev announced to Novak Djokovic about the end of his career

Novak Djokovic, match with Stefanos Tsitsipas for the Astana title

Novak Djokovic (4th seed) will face Stefanos Tsitsipas (3rd) in the final of the tournament in Kazakhstan after the Greek defeated Russian Andriy Rublev (5th) 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.