Determined Daniil Medvedev pushes through grueling battle with Grigor Dimitrov at 2023 Vienna Open

Daniil Medvedev showed determination as he fought back against Grigor Dimitrov to win their grueling three-set battle 3-6, 6-2, 6-4.

The World No. 3 looked to be very much on form in his first-round clash against Arthur Fils, defeating the French player in straight sets. However, he had a tougher time against the World No. 17 Dimitrov, who forced Medvedev to play some of his absolute best tennis in order to make it through.

At the beginning of the match, Dimitrov looked in control. The Bulgarian player showed tremendous athleticism as he secured an early break in Medvedev's second service game. He then went on to get the double break against the Russian and wrapped up the opener with what the commentators called an "elegant set of tennis."

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Medvedev fights his way back into match

However, Medvedev, who suffered a shock defeat in the second round at the Shanghai Masters two weeks ago, was not about to let this match slip away from him. The 27-year-old took Dimitrov's first service game in the second set to a deuce and pushed on to get an early break of his own.

From there, his opponent was unable to get back into the set, with Medvedev playing incredibly well from the baseline. As a result, it wasn't long before he had achieved a double break and forced a decider.

The final set began with Dimitrov showing resilience with a W-0 hold. Medvedev's first service game then went to a deuce but he was able to save himself from any trouble. The same thing then happened with Dimitrov immediately afterward but ultimately the set stayed on serve.

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However, at 4-4, Medvedev built up three crucial break points. Dimitrov then proceeded to hit the ball out, giving his opponent the all-important break.

The top seed then served for the set. Although Dimitrov leveled the game at 30-30, Medvedev edged ahead once again with a strong serve that booked his place in the quarter-final, where he will face eighth seed Karen Khachanov.