Medvedev reaches quarters in Dubai

Dubai: The top seed Daniil Medvedev delivered a typically tactful display to advance past the big serving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4, 6-4 and reach the quarter-finals at the ATP 500 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships for a third consecutive year on Wednesday. Medvedev, the 2023 champion, remained resolute against the 140 mp/h serves sent down by the Frenchman, and picked him off with ease during the 88-minute contest.

“You don’t have any time, so it’s pure reflexes,” said Medvedev of Mpetshi Perricard’s serve. “It makes it even easier, because if you don’t return it, you’re not even disappointed. There were some second serves I missed [however], and I was disappointed. You just try to do your best and I managed it pretty well today.”

The World No. 6, Medvedev won 96 per cent (23/24) of points behind his own first serve, according to Infosys ATP Stats, and did not face a break point. Mpetshi Perricard saved eight of the 10 he faced, but was ultimately unable to contain his unforced error count, which rose to 44.

“It’s tactically easy, in a way, because you have to be strong on your [own] serve,” added Medvedev. “I was very good on my serve, that helped. Then you can put pressure on his serve, try to guess or see something. I’m generally happy with my level.”

Medvedev, who is chasing his first title since he won the ATP Masters 1000 in Rome in 2023, will next face Tallon Griekspoor, who rallied past defending champion Ugo Humbert 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to reach his 18th tour-level quarter-final.

Moreover, Quentin Halys beat Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6, 6-4 while Luca Nardi beat Zizou Bergs 6-4, 7-6 in Round of 16 matches. Agencies

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