Defending CHAMPION Daniil Medvedev needed to work onerous to beat Hamad Medjedovic’s soild efficiency, Monday (13/5) native time, in Rome to advance to the final 16 of the Italian Open.
Second seed Medvedev was lastly in a position to survive the assault from the 2023 ATP Subsequent Gen finalist by profitable 7-6 (5), 2-6 and 7-5.
“I felt like I began the match properly following which it began to say no,” stated Medvedev, as broadcast by ATP, Tuesday (14/5).
“My serve wasn’t there, my photographs weren’t aggressive sufficient when needed. As a result of usually I wish to play the rhythm I play, however I additionally wish to shock my opponent sometimes with some good photographs. As we speak I wasn’t ready to try this,” continued the world quantity 4 tennis participant.
“At one second within the match, I believed that what I did wouldn’t be sufficient to win the match. So I am joyful that regardless that I did not play in addition to I may, I used to be in a position to win. Tomorrow I’ll attempt to discover my greatest tennis.”
One 12 months following a shock title win on the ATP Masters 1000, his first clay crown on the ATP Tour, Medvedev tried to defend his tour-level title for the primary time this week.
Additionally learn: Medvedev Advances to Italian Open Semifinals
After an up-and-down opening two units during which he dedicated 10 double faults, Medvedev stormed from the baseline to guide 4-1 with out making a mistake of his personal within the decider.
However Medjedovic, who recorded 41 winners and 66 unforced errors, discovered the vary of his highly effective forehand to stage at 4-4 and create a 0/30 lead within the ninth sport.
As soon as once more, Medvedev relied on baseline play to show issues round. He stored his cool to interrupt within the ultimate sport and ended the match following two hours and 50 minutes.
The win means Medvedev has now reached the final 16 in all 5 ATP Masters 1000s he has entered in 2024, becoming a member of Alexander Zverev in that feat.
Medvedev will subsequent meet 14th seed Tommy Paul, who beat Dominik Koepfer 6-4, 6-4. (Ant/Z-1)
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