Medvedev Powers Into W&S Open Quarter-finals

Daniil Medvedev powered his way past qualifier Aljaz Bedene on Tuesday to keep alive his chances of retaining the Western & Southern Open title.

Third seed Medvedev was too solid in a 6-3, 6-3 victory over 68 minutes for a place in the quarter-finals, where he’ll play No. 11 seed Karen Khachanov or eighth seed Roberto Bautista Agut.

“I returned much better than yesterday and was more solid,” said Medvedev. “To win by this score and quite easily against Aljaz is a big challenge. I got used to the conditions better today. It wasn’t easy for him as it was already his sixth match and I just took my chances. I don’t feel the courts are extra fast this year.”

Medvedev broke twice in the 31-minute first set, with a backhand winner at 1-1, 0/40 and when Bedene hit a forehand into the net in the ninth game. Medvedev won 90 per cent of his first-service points, while Bedene committed 16 unforced errors as the hot conditions in New York hindered the Slovenian. Medvedev took a 3-1 lead in the second set and didn’t look back.

Bedene beat No. 13 seed Cristian Garin and Taylor Fritz in his first two matches at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.