Daniil Medvedev celebrated his rise to the world number one ranking with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Yoshihito Nishioka in the quarterfinals of the ATP Mexico Open on Thursday.
The 26-year-old Russian rode a rollercoaster of emotions after learning to take the top spot thanks to a quarter-final loss to Serbian star Novak Djokovic in Dubai a few hours ago.
But he worked against Japan’s Nishioka for a possible semi-final clash with Rafael Nadal in a rematch of the Australian Open final, which the Spaniard won for his record 21st Grand Slam title.
Nadal – who rallied from two sets to defeat Medvedev in five sets in the Australian Open final – was scheduled to face Tommy Paul in the latter’s quarterfinals on Thursday.
“It’s really not easy to play a match when you get this (news) during the day,” Medvedev said.
Djokovic’s 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) loss to Czech world number 123 Jiri Vsli ended the Serb rule.
Medvedev said, “To be honest, I saw that he was losing, but I didn’t know that if he lost I was going to be number one. I thought I had to do something big here. So when should I Got all the messages, okay, I get it, okay, it’s gonna happen.
“The first goal for me was to win even today, because I am here to try and win every match.
“But it’s definitely some good news.”
Medvedev would become the first person outside the sport’s “Big Four” to hold the number one spot after 2004, behind Djokovic, Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray.
He has become the third Russian man after Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin to climb to number one.
Despite the distractions of the day, Medvedev needed just 70 minutes to send Nishioka.
The Japanese qualifier got an early break in the second set, but Medvedev patiently fought back to win.
Medvedev said, “He’s a tough opponent. He knows how to come back, how to run, how to make some crazy shots when you don’t expect it. I’m glad I was able to keep my composure till the end.” was able.”
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