Daniil Medvedev recovered from his first-round wobble to get his ATP Finals campaign back on track.
The Russian, in contrast to his irate demeanour in his opening round loss to Taylor Fritz, remained composed to see off Australia’s Alex de Minaur.
Fourth seed Daniil Medvedev delivered a far more sturdy performance to secure a 6-2, 6-4 win over de Minaur.
The 2020 champion seemed in complete control during the strategic, back-and-forth match, ultimately extending his head-to-head record against De Minaur to 7-3.
Medvedev showed a marked improvement from his chaotic opening-round loss to Fritz, where he had struggled with consistency.
On this occasion, he didn’t face a single break point, throughout. The powerful Russian hit 24 winners to see him onto what will be a crucial match against world number one Jannik Sinner.
Daniil Medvedev reflects on new approach after ATP Finals win
During an erratic opening loss, Medvedev seemed mentally drained and struggled to find his usual fighting spirit on court.
With a renewed perspective, he approached this match with a different mindset, determined to play freely.
Knowing the stakes were high, the 2021 US Open champion knew a win would give him another chance to prolong his campaign in Turin.
This shift in attitude allowed him to play with less pressure, leading him to reflect, on Sky Sports’ coverage: “After the last match I felt like I was too tired mentally to fight like I usually do so during the match when it doesn’t work you way, you get frustrated.
“I went into this match whatever happens I lose I go home Thursday for sure, good feeling. I win and I have a chance Saturday, good feeling. I went into the match trying to hit some shots and think about next year. It worked well, so I’m okay with it!”
Daniil Medvedev will need the perfect performance to beat Jannik Sinner
Medvedev will need to be at his absolute best to overcome Sinner in their upcoming showdown.
The two are evenly matched in their head-to-head, each winning seven of their 14 meetings, yet Sinner has dominated recently, winning seven of their last eight clashes.
In each of their recent encounters at the US Open, Shanghai Masters, and the Six Kings Slam exhibition, Sinner remained untroubled, losing just one set in total.
Medvedev, however, understands the task ahead and knows he must play all-out to stand a chance against the Italian, facing a challenge that is difficult but certainly not impossible.
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