Daniil Medvedev Advances to Monte-Carlo Quarterfinals After Saving Two Match Points Against Alexander Zverev

Third seed Daniil Medvedev survived a late-night thriller against Alexander Zverev on Thursday at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. The match lasted for three hours and five minutes, during which Medvedev rallied from behind to win 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(7) in the third round.

Zverev served for the match at 5-4 in both the second and third sets but couldn’t convert it. Medvedev took advantage of the opportunity and refused to give up. Both players showcased high-quality play throughout the match but failed to do so consistently.

The closely fought contest was ultimately decided when Medvedev stayed more composed in the closing moments of the match. Medvedev trailed 5/6 and 6/7 in the deciding-set tie-break, but Zverev’s errors on both points proved to be costly. Medvedev went on to reel off three points in a row, securing the victory and advancing to the Monte-Carlo quarterfinals for the second time.

Medvedev chases his maiden clay court title

Medvedev has had an impressive season so far, with a 31-3 record and winning 26 of his past 27 tour-level matches. The 27-year-old Russian is chasing his first title on clay this week in Monte-Carlo. Thursday’s win against Zverev is also his first win against a top 20 opponent on clay since he defeated Kei Nishikori in Barcelona in 2019.

Medvedev’s opponent in the quarterfinals will be 19-year-old Holger Rune, who advanced to his maiden Monte-Carlo quarterfinal after Matteo Berrettini withdrew from their third-round clash due to an oblique injury. It will be the first ATP Head2Head meeting between Medvedev and Rune, although the two are not unfamiliar with each other’s games.

Medvedev praises Rune’s skills

Medvedev had words of praise for his next opponent, saying, “He’s an amazing player. We practised many times. The first time at the Nitto ATP Finals when he was still a junior. Then a lot of times at the Mouratoglou Academy. We practised a lot on clay. I don’t think I ever won a set, but I was playing good today, so I hope to show this good tennis tomorrow.”

Medvedev’s win against Zverev was a testament to his resilience and determination. The match showcased the skills of both players and was a treat for tennis fans. Medvedev’s quest for his first clay court title continues in Monte-Carlo, where he will face a young and talented opponent in Holger Rune.