Daniil Medvedev swept past Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime for a seventh straight time Saturday to power into the last 16 at the Australian Open despite feeling sluggish.
In a dazzling display of skill and resilience at the Australian Open, Daniil Medvedev continued his impressive run by defeating Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime for the seventh consecutive time, securing a spot in the last 16. Despite a late-night finish in the previous round against Emil Ruusuvuori, where he managed a remarkable comeback from two sets down, Medvedev powered through the challenges to clinch a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 victory.
The Russian third seed acknowledged the toll of the late-night match, revealing that he had not gone to bed until 7:00 am. Despite feeling less than fresh and not at his optimal condition, Medvedev showcased his determination and tactical brilliance on the court. He strategically focused on delivering tough shots to his opponent, minimizing the need for extensive running.
Looking ahead, Medvedev is set to face Portugal’s Nuno Borges in the next round. Borges, ranked 69th in the world, created a major upset by defeating the 13th seed Grigor Dimitrov in four sets. Medvedev, a two-time Australian Open runner-up, expressed satisfaction with his performance, particularly in the third set, where he executed some impressive shots.
Reflecting on his flawless 6-0 record against Auger-Aliassime, which included saving a match point in a thrilling five-set encounter in the 2022 quarter-finals, Medvedev highlighted the contrasting nature of their latest match. This time, Medvedev dominated from the start, earning an early break in the opening set and maintaining control throughout.
Despite a brief setback when Auger-Aliassime broke immediately in the second set, Medvedev quickly leveled the playing field and took a commanding lead. Known for his ability to transition from defense to attack seamlessly, Medvedev showcased his prowess with entertaining baseline rallies.
With an unrelenting determination to reach the finish line, Medvedev sealed the victory in two hours and nine minutes. As he progresses in the tournament, tennis enthusiasts can anticipate more thrilling performances from the Russian star, who aims to overcome the challenges posed by the demanding schedule and continue his pursuit of Grand Slam glory at the Australian Open.
