Tennis

Daniil Medvedev: ‘Miomir is a great player, I’m happy with my level’

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Daniil Medvedev stood a couple of games from his second consecutive Major crown at the last year’s Australian Open. Daniil lost a thrilling final to Rafael Nadal and could recover his game for the rest of the season, especially against the rivals from the top. Daniil is ready for a fresh start in 2023, kicking off the season in Adelaide and winning two matches to reach the quarter-final. Medvedev faced a top-30 rival Miomir Kecmanovic in the second round and scored a dominant 6-0, 6-3 triumph in an hour and seven minutes. Daniil served well and faced only one break point. He defended it and stole Miomir’s serve four times to sail into the last eight. Kecmanovic played miles from his best, struggling to find free points from his initial shot or move the opponent from his comfort zone. The Russian was pleased with his level, hoping for more in the following days. 

Daniil Medvedev has made a winning start to the season.

Daniil made a strong start and delivered a bagel in the opening set in 28 minutes for a massive boost. The Russian survived a couple of deuces in the encounter’s opening game and cracked a forehand down the line winner in the second to grab a break at 15. Medvedev held with a booming serve and delivered another break in game four that sent him 4-0 in front. Daniil saved a break point in game five with a forehand winner and created two set points on the return in the next one. Medvedev seized the first with a forehand return winner for 6-0 in under half an hour.

The Russian clinched the second set’s opening game with a forehand down the line winner and rattled off his seventh straight game. The Serb finally held with a service winner in game two and raised his level. Both players served well in the next five games, and Medvedev gained a 4-3 advantage with an ace. Miomir produced three comfortable holds to stay in touch before Daniil created break chances with a backhand down the line winner in game eight. Kecmanovic saved them and extended the game. However, Medvedev converted the fourth break opportunity with a backhand down the line winner and held at 30 in the next one to move into the last eight.

“I think it was a great match. Miomir is a tough, high-ranked opponent, as no easy rivals are left in the draw. I’m not sure there were any from the first round at such a strong event. I’m pleased to be through and happy with my current level,” Daniil Medvedev said.

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