Medvedev cruises past Rinderknech to reach US Open third round

Defending champion Daniil Medvedev resumed his quest to retain his title, sweeping past Arthur Rinderknech to reach the third round at the US Open.

The World No.1 was clinical in his 6-2 7-5 6-3 victory, frustrating the Frenchman with his impeccable shot placement and unique defense. Medvedev saved all three break points faced, as he pounced on his opponent's serve to keep Rinderknech stuck at the baseline.

After cruising through the first set, Medvedev faced greater resistance from the World No.58 in the second. The Frenchman employed his tactic of approaching the net at every opportunity, which was enough to keep the top seed at bay. However, Medvedev eventually broke through, preventing a tiebreak and establishing a two set lead.

The 2021 champion appeared poised and in control as he dictated play with penetrating groundstrokes, obtaining the crucial break in the third and racing to victory after two hours and 11 minutes. He will face Chinese qualifier Wu Yibing, who became the first man from China to win a match at the US Open and has now won two in a row.