World number one Novak Djokovic says Daniil Medvedev is “one of the best players in the world” after their meeting at the Cincinnati Masters. Saturday’s semi-final clash was the third meeting between Medvedev and Djokovic this season, having also met in Monaco and at the Australian Open.

Medvedev’s victory shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise after he defeated the impressive Serbian in the Principality in April. Djokovic made a bright start but ultimately failed to cope with Medvedev’s incredible power as the match developed.

“I thought I played a really good match,” said Djokovic. “Maybe in the third set when I was broken at 1-all I could have done a little bit better, but when someone serves a 128 miles-per-hour second serve and doesn’t make too many double faults and goes for every shot, you just have to put your hat down and congratulate him.”

The Russian triumphed 3-6 6-3 6-3 and his reward is a meeting with David Goffin, who beat Richard Gasquet 6-3 6-4 in the other semi-final. World number eight Medvedev is enjoying his best season on the tour after starting out by reaching round four at the Australian Open – the furthest he has gone at a Grand Slam to date.

Djokovic added: “He’s working his way to the Top 5 [in the ATP Ranking]. He’s definitely one of the best players in the world.”

Medvedev can be backed at 1.40 to lift the title in Cincinnati, while Goffin is priced at 2.80 to come out on top.