Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev secured his spot in the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters after taking down Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets. In an hour and 28 minutes, Medvedev won 6-3, 6-2 and marked his first clay-court Masters 1000 win since Madrid 2021. With his 30th victory of the season, the Russian is hoping for a good result on his least-favourable surface.
Medvedev’s impressive performance was highlighted by his dominant first serve, dropping only three points after landing it in, and defending the only break point to keep the pressure on the other side. Meanwhile, Sonego’s chances for a better result were plagued by serving at only 47%, losing almost half of the points in his games and experiencing three breaks from nine opportunities offered to his opponent.
The Russian tamed his strokes nicely and outplayed the Italian in the shortest and more extended exchanges, firing 17 winners and 16 unforced errors. Medvedev came from 30-0 down in the encounter’s first game and brought it home with a forehand winner. He created a break chance in the second game and clinched it after Sonego’s loose forehand for a 2-0 lead. Medvedev held his nerve and cemented his lead to settle into a fine rhythm, while Sonego tried to reduce the deficit but struggled to stay in touch.
Medvedev will face either Nikoloz Basilashvili or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the next round as he continues his campaign for the Monte Carlo Masters title.