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Daniil Medvedev US Open 2021
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Daniil Medvedev ends Hugo Gaston magic as title defence rolls on


Hugo Gaston produced another memorable display for the Paris crowd, but Daniil Medvedev was just too tough for the Frenchman in the end.

The world number two is still eyeing the possibility of taking the number one ranking from Novak Djokovic before the end of the season.

As such, his focus on winning in Paris has not faltered. Medvedev took on home favourite Gaston for a place in the last four in the French capital.

The 21-year-old produced more spectacular play as he secured the break over Medvedev to go 5-4 up and serve for the set.

Up 40-0, the opener looked sealed. But the US Open champion is tough under pressure, and doubled down to break back. The set eventually culminated in a tiebreak, which Medvedev claimed 9-7.

The Russian then accelerated out of the blocks in the second, going up a double break to 4-0. Gaston had recovered from 5-0 down to Alcaraz in the previous round, but Medvedev is a Slam champion and world number two.

However, the young Frenchman did salvage a break back for 4-2. Three more service holds brought the match to 5-4 on the Medvedev serve.

A double fault saw one match point come and go for the Russian, but a forehand winner clinched victory on the second.

As a result, Medvedev keeps his push for the year-end number one ranking alive. The victory is also his eighth consecutively at the Paris Masters, as his 2020 title defence maintains momentum.

The 25-year-old will next take on the winner between Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev. Medvedev faced Zverev in last year’s Paris final.

The German leads their head-to-head 5-4, but Medvedev has won their last three meetings, including that final.

On the other hand, the Russian has defeated Ruud both times they have played.


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