Daniil Medvedev deserved the 17th straight victory since the last year's Paris Masters thanks to a challenging 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-0 victory over Filip Krajinovic in just over three hours.
Daniil had to overcome problems in sets three and four and find new strength in the decider, especially after losing the previous six five-setters. The Russian sent his coach outside the stands in set number four and started all over, delivering a bagel at 2-2 and securing the place in the next round.
"Filip played unbelievable, especially in the fourth set. I had some chances in the third, and he raised his level to force a decider. I tried to change my return position in the fifth set, and it seemed to be working well. I remember many of these five-setter matches that I lost. I think three or four of them I would be a break up, or something like that.
I always say experience is the key for me, and as soon as I grabbed a break in the decider, I knew I was in control, which is a nice contrast in comparison to the previous matches where I could get tight, start rush things and make errors. I was calm today and finished the match on the winning side, pleased that I got my first five-set triumph," Daniil Medvedev.