While Zverev will be aiming for his Melbourne final, Medvedev already has that experience, having been runner-up to Novak Djokovic in 2021 and Rafael Nadal in 2022.
Now he is one more victory away from a third shot at the title after seeing off Hurkacz.
“I feel a bit destroyed right now,” said Medvedev, who clinched victory in just under four hours.
“He played good, I won’t be tough on myself. I just had to try and do whatever I could. If I lose, I lose, it’s OK.”
Hurkacz is one of the finest servers in the game but Medvedev is one of the best returners – teeing up an intriguing duel between the pair.
Medvedev struck first by breaking the Pole’s serve early in the match but Hurkacz quickly recovered, before the Russian took control of the tie-break for the advantage.
With conditions again hot in Melbourne, Medvedev’s level dropped in the second set as Hurkacz picked up the pace in his groundstrokes as he moved level.
Medvedev recovered strongly at the start of third. Breaking confidently for 2-0, and digging deep to save five points in the games either side, was enough to regain his lead.
Another masterful returning game saw Medvedev go a break up early in the fourth and the contest looked to be heading towards a straightforward conclusion.
However, to the delight of the many Polish fans on Rod Laver Arena, Hurkacz hit back.
Rediscovering his confidence, the 2021 Wimbledon semi-finalist forced more mistakes from Medvedev and won five of the next six games to take the contest to a decider.
Neither player was troubled on serve in the opening six games until Hurkacz’s backhand was worn down by Medvedev and the Russian put away a volley on his first break point.
Still, it was not a simple ending. Medvedev faced another break point at 4-3, ducking under Hurkacz’s long return as he served and volleyed, then finally secured victory with a cute drop-shot on his first match point.