Daniil Medvedev bounced back from his Shanghai Masters semi-final loss to advance through his first round at the Almaty Open.
Five days ago, Medvedev was the favourite for the Shanghai Masters title, before being stunned by Arthur Rinderknech, who lost in the final to qualifier Valentin Vacherot.
The Russian showed few signs of a hangover in Kazakhstan, defeating Adam Walton 7-5, 7-6 in his opening round at the Almaty Open.
Medvedev will now face Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan in the next round.
Following his victory in Almaty, the Russian noted a key moment in the match, while commenting on the court conditions.
Daniil Medvedev was surprised by the quick court speed of the Almaty Open Centre Court
During his post-match interview with Sky Sports on Wednesday, Medvedev was first asked to identify the crucial moment in the match.
Medvedev referred to an important moment in the second set, when Walton led 4-1 and had multiple opportunities to secure a double break.
However, Medvedev held his nerve, holding serve and then breaking Walton’s serve in the next game.
“Yeah I mean it was a very tough match, especially second set. The game at 4-1 I think I saved maybe four break points,” Medvedev said.
“Was crucial because then I managed to break back and get back into the rhythm. So I’m happy to beat a tough opponent.”
The Russian was then asked whether the conditions at the Almaty Open suited him.
During his response, Medvedev noted the surprise he felt after moving from the practice courts to the Centre Court arena in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
“Yeah I think so,” Medvedev said.
“It’s very fast and I was a bit surprised in the beginning because I didn’t play on Centre Court, I only played on practice courts.
“And this one is a bit more fast, and the ball is flying more, so I had to adjust my game. But I think it can suit me really well.”
Medvedev previews his match against Fabian Marozsan
Daniil Medvedev faces world number 52 Fabian Marozsan in the Almaty Open quarter-finals.
Marozsan, who is yet to win an ATP Tour title, defeated Luca Nardi in the first round, before beating American Brandon Nakashima on Wednesday.
The pair have played once before, at the 2024 US Open. Medvedev emerged victorious from the second-round match, winning 6-3, 6-2, 7-6.
Ahead of their rematch, Medvedev said: “He’s a very tough opponent. We only played once but I know how good he can play so very tough opponent. I hope to play some good tennis.”
