Russian Daniil Medvedevsixth in the world ranking, classified Indian Wells end the first Masters 1000 tournament of the season, winning 7-5, 7-6(4) against American Frances Tiafoe. His opponent for the California crown will be the winner of the semi-final between the Spanish Carlos Alcaraz and Italian Yannick Sinner.
Medvedev adds 19 wins in a row and three tournaments won in a row this season.
The Russian dominated the match solidly, but he had plenty of trouble with the outcome to complete his triumph as the indefatigable Tiafoe saved seven match points.
“If I had not won this match, I would have had nightmares for a long time”he was tongue-in-cheek on the track and after the match about match balls he failed to seal.
He later added with a smile.
But I’m very happy that I won. Now I can sleep well tonight and prepare for tomorrow.
Played in the heat of the afternoon on a nearly packed center court in Indian Wells, the match marked the first semi-final of the Tiafoe Masters 1000, well supported from the stands by a dedicated crowd and the only American left in the competition.
Tiafoe, world number 16, has not lost a set in this edition of the California competition. But he had an opponent in front of him who was not particularly successful, since Medvedev had scored all four games between them so far.
In any case, the young American confidently started the match with a serve, taking his powerful forehand for a walk and boldly going to the net.
Tiafoe with touch 🧐@FTiafoe | #Tennis Heaven pic.twitter.com/tkek91ltqx
— BNP Paribas Opening (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 18, 2023
He also had the necessary calmness to solve a tough 0-40 and 2-2 moment that he came out with five straight.
With great prestige and composure, Medvedev solved his serve turns on the fast track, leaving no opportunity for his opponent.
But just when it seemed like the set was coming to tie-breakTiafoe, making several mistakes at the most inopportune moment, missed the serve and made the score 6:5, and Medvedev used this gift to win the first set.
Daniel at his peak 📈
Glitter off @DaniilMedwed on the way to a tight debut over Tiafoe, 7-5! @BNPPARIBASOPEN | #Tennis Heaven pic.twitter.com/jTD1xuxf6j
— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 18, 2023
This blow took its toll on Tiafoe, who lost his serve as soon as the second set began and the match became increasingly difficult.
On the contrary, solid as a stone, Medvedev continued to seem extremely reliable and impenetrable.
He is from another planet. 🌎
Evidence: Proof A @DaniilMedwed | #Tennis Heaven pic.twitter.com/2xoej6D72f
— BNP Paribas Opening (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 18, 2023
So much so that Tiafoe had his cousin ‘break’ all day already in the second set and with a score of 3-2, but Medvedev solved it with a good second serve and continued to command in the fight.
Something he can’t get? 🤯@DaniilMedwed | #Tennis Heaven pic.twitter.com/6NxKLU4Q6M
— BNP Paribas Opening (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 18, 2023
However, his first moment of weakness came when he least expected it.
Medvedev lost three match points in favor of the others, and with the score 5:4 in his favor and serving to close the match, for the first time in the match he lost his serve with a double fault (5:5).
It was now or never for Tiafoe, but right after he lost his pitch to a loveless game (6-5).
At the ropes, the American returned to the epic shot and survived four more balls of the match to get a new break and force tie-break in the midst of the madness of their fans.
In the end, Medvedev restored a more powerful version of his serve, and Tiafoe lost right now to the strongest player on the planet.
8th matchpoint is a charm 😉
Until the end 👉 @DaniilMedwed#Tennis Heaven pic.twitter.com/vSsbicjnep
— BNP Paribas Opening (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 18, 2023
After the coronation Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai, Medvedev will play his first final at Indian Wells this Sunday and will also have the opportunity to win his fourth tournament in a row in five weeks of competition, something no one in the ATP has done since. Andy Murray in 2016 (Beijing, Shanghai, Vienna and Paris).
(According to information from EFE)
Source: Aristegui Noticias
I’m George Gonzalez, a professional journalist and author at The Nation View. With more than 5 years of experience in the field, I specialize in covering sports news for various print media outlets. My passion for writing has enabled me to craft stories that capture the attention of readers all over the world.
