By Kwame Bediako
Daniil Medvedev, the former US Open champion, has booked his place in the quarter-finals of the Indian Wells Open for the third consecutive year.
The world number six defeated Tommy Paul in straight sets, 6-4, 6-0, in a last-16 clash that was delayed by nearly four hours due to heavy rain. This victory marks Medvedev’s 80th tour-level quarter-final and his 22nd at ATP Masters events, showcasing his consistent excellence on the court.
Medvedev, who has finished as runner-up at Indian Wells in the past two editions, started the match in dominant fashion. He raced into a 4-0 lead, but Paul staged a comeback to level the first set at 4-4. Undeterred, Medvedev regained control, breaking Paul’s serve to take the first set. The second set was a one-sided affair, with Medvedev winning eight consecutive games to seal the match in just one hour and 14 minutes.
Reflecting on the match, Medvedev expressed satisfaction with his performance. “We’ve actually had up-and-down matches so far that we’ve played,” he said.
Referencing his previous encounters with Paul, Medvedev stated, “The first one was really close, then he beat me easily, and now I’ve managed to beat him a bit easier.”
Medvedev also acknowledged the challenging conditions at Indian Wells, where breaks of serve do not always dictate the outcome of the match. His ability to elevate his game under pressure has been a hallmark of his career, and it once again proved decisive in this match.
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