Medvedev Overcomes Early Nerves to Defeat Sonego in Dubai
Daniil Medvedev battled through a slow start to secure a victory over Lorenzo Sonego at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
Medvedev Fights Back
Top seed Daniil Medvedev had a challenging start to his match against Lorenzo Sonego at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Medvedev struggled with his serve in the first set, winning only 53% of points behind his first delivery. However, he was able to turn the tide in the second and third sets, hitting more aggressively and backing up his first serves.
"I went on court and was not feeling right. I was too nervous and too tight, which does not happen often to me," admitted Medvedev. "I was making a lot of mistakes and had nerves. Sometimes it takes a set to calm down and if I continue to do what I did in the first set, that is not going to work. I just had to change, to be more calm, and if that doesn't work it is his day, but it worked."
Medvedev managed to break Sonego's serve in the eighth game of the second set and went on to break him twice more in the decider. After two hours and one minute, Medvedev secured a 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory to reach the quarter-finals at the ATP 500 tournament.
Dubai Success
This win adds to Medvedev's impressive record in Dubai. He has now won his past seven matches in the tournament and is the defending champion, having lifted the title in 2023.
The 28-year-old Russian continues his quest for another title in Dubai and will face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the quarter-finals. Fokina advanced after his opponent, Jakub Mensik, was forced to retire at 6-7(7), 0-1.
Medvedev's previous tournament was the Australian Open in January, where he reached the final but ultimately lost to Jannik Sinner. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships mark his return to competitive play since then.
Looking Ahead
Medvedev's victory over Sonego puts him in a strong position as he progresses in Dubai. His ability to overcome early nerves and adapt his game shows his resilience on the court.
As the top seed and a strong contender, Medvedev will be aiming to defend his title and claim another victory at the ATP 500 tournament. With his aggressive playing style and formidable skills, he remains a force to be reckoned with in the tennis world.
