DANIL Medvedev secured a fourth consecutive fourth-round Australian Open appearance by dismantling Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets on Saturday.
The second seed won a 6-4 6-4 6-2 battle that spanned one hour and 55 minutes, and one that featured scintillating shot-making and tension-filled exchanges.
On a warm afternoon, a hushed silence swept across Margaret Court Arena as the duo leapt straight into long rallies, including a 33-stroke point in the opening game.
Medvedev, frequently on the attack, clinched the match’s first break, edging ahead to a 2-1 lead after delivering a superb running forehand winner.
Former world No.1 Simona Halep is gathering momentum at Australian Open 2022, having dropped just 12 games in total to seal a spot in the second week.
Halep, seeded 14th this fortnight, routed Danka Kovinic 6-2 6-1 in 64 minutes at John Cain Arena on Saturday, keeping her energy expenditure to a minimum on a hot summer’s day at Melbourne Park.
Halep, Danielle Collins and Alize Cornet cemented their victories within a few minutes of one another on the tournament’s three main arenas, results that set up some intriguing fourth-round clashes.
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