Daniil
Medvedev (No. 4) defeated
Grigor Dimitrov (No. 13) 6-4, 6-4 and advances to the
quarterfinals of
Indian Wells. The Russian tennis player continues to perform
at a high level, and with Novak Djokovic's early exit from his side of the
draw, the path clears for his aspirations.
Medvedev
reached the final at the Tennis Paradise last year, but Indian Wells remains
the only Masters 1000 tournament on hardcourt that he has yet to win. Quietly,
Medvedev has progressed through his rounds in pursuit of the title.
The former
world No. 1 was almost impeccable with his serve in the first set, winning 83%
of his service points compared to Dimitrov's 63%. The first break came in favor
of Medvedev in the fifth game on his first break opportunity of the day.
Although he had three set points with the score at 5-3 and Dimitrov serving, he
ultimately had to wait for his own service game to take the lead 6-4.
At the
start of the second set, it seemed like Medvedev had the victory in hand after
breaking to go up 2-1. However, Dimitrov managed to create his first break
opportunities in the following game and leveled the set at 2-2.
With both
players offering few opportunities on serve, Medvedev needed just one chance to
seize the definitive advantage, closing out the victory 6-4, 6-4 and advancing
to the quarterfinals. His next challenge will be against local player Tommy
Paul (No. 17).