Daniil Medvedev does not allow just anyone to invade his natural habitat. The No. 2 in the ATP Rankings, who has become a benchmark on the hard surface, reached the round of 16 of the Australian Open this Saturday without a shred of doubt. After coming one step short of the cup in the last edition, their bid in Melbourne looks stronger than ever.
The second seed demolished Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 in one hour and 53 minutes to reach the halfway point of the tournament with authority intact. Medvedev completed one of the most demanding opening weeks of the draw, holding off the US Open quarterfinalist hours after withstanding a challenge from local favorite Nick Kyrgios.
Medvedev’s advance serves to underline his stability on the hard court. The Russian has managed to cross to the second week in the last seven Grand Slam tournaments he has played on the surface, leaving a mark unattainable for the bulk of the locker room. Only Rafael Nadal, with 10 appearances in a row, Roger Federer, stacking nine, and Alexander Zverev, with another seven, keep looking at that record.
The moment of truth is approaching for Daniil in Australia. In a field full of contenders for the first Grand Slam of the season, the Russian wants to show that his footprint is as firm as that of any candidate. After adding three victories against the Melbourne stands, Medvedev will play the round of 16 against the American Maxime Cressy and the Australian Christopher O’Connell.
Did you know…?
Daniil Medvedev is one of three Russian players to have reached the Australian Open men’s singles final. Last season, the reigning World No. 2 followed in the footsteps of compatriots Yevgeny Kafelnikov (2000 runner-up) and Marat Safin (2004 runner-up, 2005 champion) at Melbourne Park.
