US Open: Daniil Medvedev tops Alex de Minaur. Is this his year?

Former champion Daniil Medvedev will compete in the last eight at the US Open following a 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 triumph over Alex de Minaur. Medvedev overcame a slow start, dominating sets three and four and sealing the deal in two hours and 40 minutes for his eighth Major quarter-final. The Russian made the difference with his first serve, although they both had their chances on the return. Medvedev got broken two times and seized five out of ten break chances to emerge at the top, setting the clash against another Russian, Andrey Rublev. They had a similar number of winners and errors, but Daniil collected 17 points more than Alex, making the difference in the last two sets. The Aussie made a better start, serving well in the opener and keeping the pressure on the other side. Medvedev saved a break point in the third game before experiencing a break at 2-2 after de Minaur’s backhand down the line winner.

Daniil Medvedev will play in the US Open quarter-final.

Alex broke again in game seven with a deep return and closed the set on his serve a few minutes later for 6-2 in just over half an hour. Daniil stepped in and raised his level in the second set, serving well and waiting for the return chances. They came in game five, and de Minaur denied five to keep his initial shot intact. They served well in the following games, and Alex had to continue at the same pace to prolong the set at 4-5. Instead, he missed a volley and offered Medvedev two set points. Daniil forced the rival’s mistake on the first to clinch the set 6-4 and gain a massive boost that would carry him home.

The Russian broke in the third set’s fourth game to build the advantage and cemented it with another return game at 4-1. Daniil served for the set at 5-1 and seized his fourth set point to take two sets to one advantage after two hours and four minutes. Medvedev saved a break point in the fourth set’s second game and grabbed a break at love in the next to move in front. The Russian painted a backhand down the line winner in the fifth game, securing another break at love and marching toward the finish line. Medvedev saved two break points in the sixth game and served for the victory at 5-2. Former champion held at love to emerge at the top and advance into the last eight.