Daniil Medvedev advanced to his sixth Major quarter-final at the Australian Open. The last year’s finalist entered the last eight in Melbourne for the second straight year following a 6-2, 7-6, 6-7, 7-5 triumph over Maxime Cressy in three and a half hours.
Cressy rushed to the net in almost every point behind the initial shot. The American fired 18 aces and double faults and finished the encounter with 75 winners and 49 unforced errors. Medvedev tamed his strokes nicely and kept the number of unforced mistakes low to seal the deal in four sets despite a massive battle after the opener.
Daniil played against one break chance on Cressy’s set point in the second set and delivered three breaks (none in sets two and three) to emerge at the top and remain on the title course. The Russian had the upper hand in the shortest and most extended rallies, although there were only nine points with nine strokes or more!
Daniil Medvedev defeated Maxime Cressy in four sets at the Australian Open.
Medvedev grabbed an early break at 1-1 in the opener after Cressy’s volley error and punched a strong return at 4-2 to deliver another break and extend the advantage.
The Russian landed an ace in game eight for 6-2 in 35 minutes, playing well so far and hoping for more in set number two. Maxime raised his level in the second set and produced six comfortable holds to challenge the higher-ranked opponent.
The American earned his only break chance at 6-5. He had and opportunity to seal the set before Medvedev saved it with a brilliant forehand crosscourt winner at the net. The Russian claimed the breaker 7-4 with an ace to build a massive advantage after an hour and 32 minutes.
Set number three offered no deuces or break chances, as they both served well and reached the second tie break, a must-winning one for the American. Cressy hit a volley winner at 3-4 to pull the mini-break back and moved 5-4 up with a return winner.
Maxime served well in the last two points to wrap up the breaker 7-5 and improve his chances. Medvedev stayed calm and delivered six comfortable holds in set number four to keep the pressure on the other side. Maxime survived a scare in games three, five and seven and missed his chances at 5-5.
Instead of securing another tie break, the American squandered two game points and got broken on the Russian’s third chance following Daniil’s forehand down the line winner. Serving for the victory in game 12, Daniil held at love with a powerful forehand winner that propelled him into the last eight.
