Published on May 14, 2023 at 4:15 p.m. – updated on May 14, 2023 at 4:16 p.m.
Daniil Medvedev successfully entered the Masters 1000 in Rome with a victory over Emil Ruusuvuori. Holger Rune did the same at the expense of local star Fabio Fognini.
Daniil Medvedev did not miss his appointment with Roman clay. The seeded number 3 of the last Masters 1000 disputed on ocher before Roland-Garros got the better of Emil Ruusuvuori for his entry into the running. If the Finn started off with a bang with the entry break allowing him to lead three games to nothing, he was then disillusioned. In effect, Daniil Medvedev fully entered the game and left nothing for his opponent. Converting two of his five break points, the world number 3 won six of the next seven games and the first set at the same time. In difficulty, Emil Ruusuvuori had his head a little more underwater when he conceded his service in the first game of the second set. However, the 43rd in the world replied by immediately erasing this late break… to better lose his commitment again in stride. This time, the ascendancy taken by Daniil Medvedev proved definitive. The Russian even made matters worse with a second break just before serving to conclude the game. The third match point was good for the world number 3 (6-4, 6-2 in 1h29′). He will find Bernabe Zapata Miralles, scorer of Jason Kubler (6-4, 6-1 in 1h29 ‘) in the third round.
First win in Rome ????
The crowd enjoyed @DaniilMedwed‘s clinical display to get past Ruusuvuori 6-4 6-2!@InteBNLdItalia | #IBI23 pic.twitter.com/LhasMmsQpc
— ATP Tour (@atptour) May 14, 2023
Rune frustrates the Roman public
Seeded number 7 in Rome, Holger Rune also passed without incident the second round of the Masters 1000 organized in the Italian capital. For this, the Dane got the better of local star Fabio Fognini. In front of his audience, the 130th player in the world started by holding his face-off but he quickly lost his footing. Indeed, the world number 7 imposed his rhythm and took off on the scoreboard. Taking the service of the Italian twice, Holger Rune quickly led five games to one. In pride, Fabio Fognini was able to erase one of his two late breaks but could not go further in his comeback. The first serves on his serve was good for the Dane. Not wanting to prolong the suspense, Holger Rune accelerated from the start of the second run. With two break points converted out of four obtained, the world number 7 pocketed the first four games and could have continued his series if Fabio Fognini had not resisted. On a last serve won white, Holger Rune put an end to the suspense (6-4, 6-2 in 1h17 ‘) and will find for a place in the round of 16 Alexey Popyrin. The Australian won a qualifying duel against Roman Safiullin (7-5, 7-5 in 1h55′).
