MATCH REPORT | 2024 Australian Open: Daniil MEDVEDEV cruises to quarters after a gruelling win over Nuno BORGES

Daniil Medvedev (No. 3) had to work harder than expected to defeat Nuno Borges (No. 69) with a score of 6-3, 7-6(4), 5-7, 6-3.and secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Australian Open. The Russian tennis player lived up to his favoritism despite Borges's resistance in his first venture into the later rounds of a Grand Slam.

The Portuguese player had 44 ATP-level matches under his belt and had never achieved two consecutive victories until the Australian Open. However, he delivered his best performance at 26 years old, defeating the 23rd seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and the 13th seed Grigor Dimitrov along the way. On Medvedev's side, he entered the match after a convincing victory over the world No. 30 Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets.

Medvedev and Borges started smoothly with their serves. The former world No. 1 positioned himself several meters behind the court, complicating the Portuguese player in returns and forcing him into rallies. The strategy was effective as Medvedev secured the break on his first opportunity and took a 5-2 lead with his serve.

Borges saved a set point with his serve and then resisted on his opponent's serve, but ultimately, Medvedev showcased his experience and closed out the set 6-3.

In the second set, Borges went toe-to-toe with Medvedev, but the 2021 US Open champion simply did not give any chances with his serve, putting pressure on the Portuguese player from the return. Nonetheless, Medvedev earned the first break in the seventh game. However, a resilient Borges managed to break back. The closely contested set extended to a tie-break, where neither player was consistent with their serves, but Medvedev seized the moment when he took the lead and closed out the set 7-6(4).

In the third set, Borges took an early disputed break and gained momentum for the set. Then came Medvedev's best moment, where for the first time in the match, he took more risks, aiming to hit the lines, winning two consecutive breaks and taking a 4-1 lead.

After saving three break points, Medvedev became frustrated with a couple of unforced errors and started shouting towards his box.T he Russian overcame the tough moment and held his serve to take a 5-2 lead, but Borges still had something to say and secured a break, capitalizing on two double faults from a frustrated Medvedev.

With the score tied at 5-5, Medvedev's tough moment continued, and he once again lost his service to a resurgent Nuno Borges, who incredibly claimed the set 7-5 through his service.

The fourth set showcased Medvedev's dominance as he practically asserted himself in a monologue. He quickly secured a break and took a 3-0 lead. Even with the advantage, Medvedev earned another break, and he comfortably closed out the set 6-1 from his service.

The Russian secured his 25th victory at the Aussie Open and will face the winner of the match between the 9th seed Hubert Hurkacz and the 21-year-old wild card Arthur Caxauz (No. 122) in the quarterfinals.