Daniil Medvedev has fired a warning to top seed Novak Djokovic at the Adelaide International after producing a clinical victory over Miomir Kecmanovic in the second round.
The world No.7 dropped just three games during his 6-0, 6-3, win over the Serbian in a match that lasted just over an hour. Medvedev started off in blistering form by winning eight games in a row before Kecmanovic got onto the scoreboard. Overall, he hit seven aces and converted four out of seven break point opportunities to record his 269th career win on the Tour.
“I think it was a great match,” Medvedev said during his on-court interview. “Miomir is a tough opponent, a high-ranked player – there are no easy guys left here in Adelaide, and I’m not sure there were from the first round, so I’m really happy to be through [and] really happy with my level, and I’m looking forward to the next matches.”
This week Medvedev is seeking to win only his second ATP title on Australian soil and his first since the 2018 Sydney Open. He was on the verge of claiming the Australian Open title last year after leading Rafael Nadal by two sets in the final before losing in five.
Next up for the 26-year-old in Adelaide will be a clash with compatriot Karen Khachanov who was runner-up in the tournament 12 months ago. Khachanov, who is currently ranked 20th in the world, beat British rising star Jack Draper 6-4, 6-2, in his second round match.
“I actually don’t remember exactly where was the last time we played,” Medvedev said of facing Khachanov. “We’ve both changed a lot. He’s a very strong opponent, he can beat anybody. He beat Jack today, who is a young guy on the rise, so looking forward to this tough match.”
Medvedev is currently on course to play Djokovic later in the week should both players progress to the semi-finals. He will be hoping to end his run of eight consecutive losses to top-10 players on the Tour.
Also through to the quarter-finals in Adelaide is Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka who defeated America’s Mackenzie McDonald 6-4, 6-3.
