Daniil Medvedev has by no means been a giant fan of clay, however he needed to like Monday’s consequence on the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. Medvedev dug deep to win a two-hour and 52-minute battle in opposition to fellow Russian Karen Khachanov 7-5, 4-6, 6-4.
The world No. 11 improved to 7-2 lifetime within the head-to-head sequence, however he wouldn’t have been overly assured heading into their newest title since Khachanov beat Medvedev at this similar Monte-Carlo match simply final 12 months.
Medvedev obtained his revenge, nonetheless, and did it the onerous means. The previous U.S. Open champion survived a particularly powerful take a look at that left him cramping on the ultimate two months of the match. Regardless of these bodily points, he managed to interrupt Khachanov at 5-4 within the third set.
Daniil Medvedev was 6-2 lifetime in opposition to Karen Khachanov, however Medvedev misplaced their 2024 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters showdown in straight units.
“I practiced very effectively earlier than the match; I practiced higher than I performed in the present day, though I performed effectively,” stated Medvedev, who will subsequent face Alexandre Muller. “It’s the primary match on clay; it’s not my favourite floor…. However I’m comfortable to win. I watched the (different matches) in the present day and there have been plenty of breaks in all of them. Karen hit just one ace and he’s a giant server. It was fairly gradual, however I’m pleased with my stage basically.
“I’m feeling good. I had a protracted preparation for clay (for the) first time in 5 or 6 years, in order that helped me to play [well] in the present day.”
Additionally advancing within the principality on Day 2 have been Matteo Berrettini, Lorenzo Musetti, Gael Monfils, Francisco Cerundolo, and Jiri Lehecka. Berrettini beat Mariano Navone 6-4, 6-4 to arrange a showdown in opposition to No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev. Monfils got here again from a set right down to defeat Fabian Marozsan whereas reserving his place alongside Andrey Rublev within the final 32.
Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and likewise maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You possibly can observe him on Twitter at @Dimonator.
