Medvedev survives second set hiccup to reach quarterfinals in Toronto, Monfils advances

World No.2 Daniil Medvedev cruised through the first set of his round of 16 match against James Duckworth at the National Bank Open (Rogers Cup), before having to halt a comeback by the Australian in the second set, thereby booking his spot in the quarterfinals.

The Russian recorded a 6-2 6-4 victory over his opponent in just 69 minutes, but the match should have ended much sooner. After breezing through the first set, Medvedev led 5-1 in the second with Duckworth to serve. The unseeded Australian held serve, leading to Medvedev serving for the match at 5-2. However, the top seed was unable to close out the match, as Duckworth capitalized on his only break point opportunity.

With momentum slightly on his side, Duckworth again held serve to give himself hope at 4-5. Nonetheless, Medvedev was able to regain his focus and serve out the match, finishing things on his second match point.

The lanky Russian has now advanced to his eighth career ATP Masters 100 quarterfinal, where he will face the winner between seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz and Nikoloz Basilashvili.

In other round of 16 action, Gael Monfils kept his winning streak going with a 6-1 7-6(2) victory over American Frances Tiafoe. The Frenchman will engage in a quarterfinal battle with the towering John Isner, who upset fourth seed Andrey Rublev earlier in the day.