Last Update: May 01, 2023, 18:10 IST
Daniil Medvedev made a comeback after losing the first set. (AP Photo)
Daniil Medvedev, who struggled to seal points on his serve, held his ear to the round fans at Caja Magica, a conversation that seemed to fuel him
World number three Daniil Medvedev cruised into the fourth round of the Madrid Open on Monday with a 4-6, 6-1, 7-5 win over friend and compatriot Alexander Shevchenko of Russia.
The Russian pair enjoyed six years of online gaming sessions together before they met last year, going up against each other in the Spanish capital for the first time in a thrilling two-hour 42-minute encounter.
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Medvedev, who readily admits he has struggled on clay, started slowly but showed his quality winning back-to-back matches in Madrid for the first time.
The in-form Shevchenko converted his third break point in the first game to lead 4-0.
However, the 22-year-old showed too much impatience in trying to win the first set and let second seed Medvedev fight his way back.
Shevchenko served two set points at 5-2 and Medvedev broke and consolidated to put pressure on the world No. 96.
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The qualifier finally took the first set at the third time of asking when his 27-year-old compatriot shot wide.
Medvedev, who was struggling to get points on his serve, held his ear to the round fans at Caja Magica, a conversation that seemed to energize him.
The 2021 US Open winner survived two break points in the first game of the second set and then broke himself before going 3-0 up.
Shevchenko saved five break points in the next game but Medvedev eventually won and stayed at love as he found his rhythm and served it out to force a third set.
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The youngster broke for 2-0 with a drop shot but Medvedev quickly responded in kind, and Shevchenko could not consolidate after breaking for a 4-2 lead.
Medvedev survived three break points to level at 4–4 and with Shevchenko starting to cramp, he conceded a break to take the second seed for the match.
Shevchenko saved a match point but Medvedev won with a forehand winner to reach the last 16, where he will face either Alex de Minaur or Aslan Karatsev.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)
