Daniil Medvedev has made it into the Shanghai Masters round of 16 as he continues his search for a first title of 2024.
Medvedev made it to the semi-finals of the China Open before the Shanghai Masters, where he lost to the ‘best player in the world’ Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz said it was an ‘unusual’ match with Medvedev, who he beat on his way to winning the China Open in Beijing.
The pair are now in Shanghai for the latest event of the Asian swing, where points are on the line for the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin.
Medvedev progressed in Shanghai with a hard-fought round of 32 win over Matteo Arnaldi, with the fifth seed winning 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.
Daniil Medvedev writes on camera after Shanghai Masters win over Matteo Arnaldi
But the Russian certainly isn’t happy with the quality of the balls in Shanghai, with Medvedev saying they benefit Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
READ MORE: Shanghai Masters 2024: How to watch, prize money, dates and everything you need to know
He did, however, manage to see the lighter side of the situation after his win over Arnaldi, writing on the camera: “Nice balls.”
Novak Djokovic makes claim about Shanghai Masters balls
Also in Shanghai for the tournament is Novak Djokovic, who has returned to the event after a five-year break.
Chasing a 100th tour-level title, Djokovic thinks the balls slow down the game, adding that good servers will have an advantage.
He is into the round of 32 after a round of 64 win over Alex Michelsen, where like Medvedev he was made to work hard for the victory.
READ MORE: Daniil Medvedev shares what he told Carlos Alcaraz at the net after China Open defeat
With Djokovic chasing a stunning career milestone in Shanghai, Medvedev is simply looking for a first title of 2024.
It has been a frustrating season for the world number five, summarised by his dramatic Australian Open final collapse against Sinner at the very start of the year.
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