World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev described the match versus Denis Shapovalov as “pretty tight” and added he was glad with the level he showed.
In the Cincinnati round-of-16, Medvedev defeated Shapovalov 7-5 7-5.
āThe match was pretty tight. I felt that it was a great level. I felt that he was missing a bit more than me but making more points, but that is how Shapo plays,ā Medvedev said after the win, per the ATP website. āMy goal was to stay there every point possible and try and put pressure on him when I had the chance. But there were many points where I was just running across the baseline, trying to get back his shots. Generally happy with the level.ā
Medvedev closed out Shapovalov in two sets
Medvedev claimed the first break of the match in the third game, but Shapovalov broke back in the eighth game.
Blowing an early break didn’t impact Medvedev, who broke Shapovalov again in the 11th game and served out for the first set in the following game.
In the second set, Medvedev failed to realize break points in the third and ninth game.
After blowing a total of five break points, Medvedev finally earned the first break of the second set in the 11th game.
In the 12th game, Medvedev served out for the match.
Next up for Medvedev is Taylor Fritz.
āTaylor is a great player. We have hit quite a few times. Before ATP Cup we had a session and I think he beat me, which doesnāt really matter, but I said to my coach, āWow he can play really well, it can be a good year for him.ā Then he won Indian Wells,” Medvedev said. “Maybe he could have done better at some other tournaments, but he is a Masters [1000] champion. He is an amazing player and I need to be at my best to try and beat him.ā