Top seed Daniil Medvedev routinely beats McDonald in Indian Wells opener

Ahead of the Indian Wells Masters Medvedev shared his story how well he was prepared for the 2020 edition claiming he was ready to win it. He was practicing excellently and while the event was cancelled Medvedev drew a paralel to 2021 when he arrived in even better shape. It certainly looked that way on the court as the Russian was able to defeat McDonald withouth even trying that hard.

The slow courts of Indian Wells are perfect for Medvedev who can easily play his defensive style standing way behind the baseline. The high bounce him enough time to set himself up for the points. It worked initially as Medvedev took an early break and never looked back.

He did not force the issue and won the opening set with 6-4. He was a bit more aggressive in the second wanting to keep it as brief as possible and it worked for him. McDonald's serve was a non-factor and the American simply could not outhit Medvedev. The Russian took a double break up in the 2nd set closing it out with 6-4.

A continuation of great form for Medvedev who last played at the Laver Cup where he demolished Shapovalov in two sets. This win is less impressive than that one but it was good enough to win and move on at the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells.