Daniil Medvedev did not cringe against Australian Nick Kyrgios (which had an entire court in its favor) and beat him 7-6 (1), 6-4, 4-6 and 6-2 in a clash that touched the three hours.
“A little respect for Jim. I can’t hear you. It is not right that they whistle between my two serves”, An annoyed Medvedev commented to the interviewer and former player Jim Courier, alluding to the attitude of an audience that booed the Muscovite throughout the game, even between his first and second serves.
However, the immutability of the Russian kept him focused to certify his passage to the third round for the fourth consecutive year and will face Dutchman Botic Van De Zandschulp in the next round, executioner of the Frenchman Richard Gasquet.
Kyrgios delighted the crowd with his unlikely repertoire of devices that ranged from magical volleys to exhibition-tinged strikes between the legs after long rallies.
His blow in the third set was not enough to destabilize the reigning US Open champion who was better throughout a clash in which he added 31 aces, 69 winners and 29 unforced errors.
Medvedev, who reached the final in the last edition, remains the clear favorite to win the title after Serbian Novak Djokovic was finally deported when the government canceled his visa for the second time.
