Daniil Medvedev takes a step towards world No 1 spot by beating Andy Murray

ATP Tour
Daniil Medvedev plays a shot

Daniil Medvedev is eyeing up a return to the world No 1 spot after outclassing Andy Murray in the second round of the Miami Open.

Medvedev thumped Murray 6-4, 6-2 to reach the last-32 at the season’s second ATP Masters 1000 event and take a 2-0 lead in the pair’s head-to-head battles.

Medvedev needs to reach the semi-finals in Miami to oust Novak Djokovic from the top of the ATP rankings once again and he looked in good form as he sealed a conformable win.

It was a chastening defeat for Murray, who was not at his best and he had no answer to Medvedev’s quality.

“Andy didn’t play his best match, but he wasn’t allowed to against Medvedev,” declared former British No 1 Tim Henman on Amazon Prime.

“When you drop serve early in sets, these top players are great front runners, but there are positives to take from it as his movement was excellent.

“Medvedev is a top player and it was always going to be a tough task for Andy and he has to go away and work on some technical and tactical issues before the grass court season.

“There were no lapses in concentration from Medvedev. He went out there and showed he was determined to get the win.”

Murray could now be set for a break from the ATP Tour after he confirmed he will not play the clay court season this year, with his focus on performing well on his favoured grass courts.

Medvedev’s targets are much more immediate, as he is eyeing up a return to the top spot in the ATP rankings.

“I think it was a great match. It’s never easy, first-round matches, even if you practise on the same courts for one or two months, it’s never going to be the same as a competitive tournament match,” said Medvedev.

“I’m happy that I managed to have zero break points against me. I feel like I have some room for improvement, but it was a great match against an amazing player and I’m happy that I managed to go through.

“On the days when you serve good, your opponent doesn’t have this freedom to return, it helps you.

“In the second set, the scoreline was easier, it was much tougher in the beginning, but when your opponent knows you’re probably going to get some aces and it’s not going to be easy for him to return, he gets pressure on his serve and many times that is what happens in close matches.”

Daniil Medvedev

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