Daniil Medvedev defeat Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-2 6-2 to reach the second round of the Erste Bank Open in Vienna and set up a blockbuster meeting with Dominic Thiem.
The top seed was in impressive form on Wednesday, breaking twice in both sets en route to an comfortable victory against the Georgian as he seeks his second title of what has been a quiet season by his high standards.
Currently number 4 in the world, Medvedev is at his lowest ranking since the autumn of 2020, and was overtaken at the top of the rankings after the defence of his US Open crown, where he lost in the 4th round to Nick Kyrgios.
Basilashvili is projected to fall outside the world’s top 100 after this week. The match was his first since being acquitted of domestic violence charges against his ex-wife.
Elsewhere in Vienna, Stefanos Tsitsipas booked a second round meeting with Borna Coric after beating Dennis Novak 7-6(2) 6-2, while Jannik Sinner was a 6-3 6-2 winner against the Chilean Cristian Garin.
Medvedev and Tsitsipas both have their places secured at the year-end championships in Turin, while Sinner is currently in 15th position, needing a big performance in Vienna and Paris to have a chance of qualification.
