Daniil Medvedev buoyed by swift win over Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open
Daniil Medvedev is confident his double-quick win over world No 192 Mackenzie McDonald will prove a boon for his quest to claim a first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in Melbourne this week.
The fourth-seeded Russian needed just one hour and 29 minutes to progress to the quarter finals with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 win, ending McDonald’s remarkable run less than two years after a career-threatening hamstring injury.
McDonald simply had no answer to the power and precision of Medvedev, who has never previously reached the last eight in Melbourne but believes he has given himself the best possible opportunity.
Medvedev said in his on-court interview: “It was a great match – I was hitting the ball great, I was serving great and I finished in one-thirty which is important because in the late stages of a Grand Slam you want to make fast matches.”
Medvedev’s brief outing was all the more important as he was stretched to five sets by Filip Krajinovic in the previous round, when the Russian almost uncharacteristically blew a two-set lead.
Despite his often exhilarating shot choices, it was soon clear McDonald had little in his weaponry to trouble Medvedev, who double-broke for a 5-1 lead in the opening set before closing it out despite the gutsy American salvaging one break back.
Another double-break secured Medvedev the second set in less than an hour, and it was possibly the memory of Krajinovic’s fightback that caused the Russian to show delight when a brilliant cross-court backhand broke McDonald in the seventh game of the third.
Another break wrapped up victory for Medvedev and a last eight meeting with either compatriot Andrey Rublev or compatriot Casper Ruud.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Tennis NewsAndy Murray preparing for a return to the ATP Tour in France
Murray has accepted a wildcard to play another tournament in France.
-
Tennis NewsRemarkable statistics confirm Daniil Medvedev is the new king of hard courts
Daniil Medvedev can now be hailed as the new king of hard courts.
-
Kevin PalmerExclusive – Myleene Klass believes Emma Raducanu can inspire a generation
Myleene Klass has revealed Emma Raducanu has inspired her daughters to reach for the stars after her stunning win at the US Open.
-
US OpenDominic Thiem on Emma Raducanu’s US Open win: ‘It’s one of the greatest achievements in women’s sport’
“Perhaps it is the greatest breakthrough of all time,” says Dominic Thiem.
-
US Open‘Unfair that Novak Djokovic is always the bad guy and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are the good guys’
“I hope he is treated a little more fairly,” says Boris Becker.
-
Tennis NewsVenus Williams explains backstory behind photo with Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova at Met Gala
Just Venus, Serena and Maria enjoying a laugh in the bathroom at the Met Gala.
-
News‘I think it’s gradually sinking in a bit more,’ says Emma Raducanu after ‘whirlwind experience’
The teenager took part in a round of breakfast TV and radio interviews.
-
WTA Tour‘People are talking about tennis again,’ revels Boris Becker after ‘Dame Emma Raducanu’s’ heroics
Boris Becker waxes lyrical about Emma Raducanu.
-
Tennis NewsTennis to introduce ‘Stefanos Tsitsipas bathroom break rule’ following Greek’s lengthy loo visits?
Stricter rules on the cards following furore over Stefanos Tsitsipas’ loo breaks.
-
Tennis NewsLTA chief insists Emma Raducanu will not lose focus after stunning rise to the top
Lloyd has called for the newly-crowned US Open champion to be given “breathing space”.