Daniil Medvedev, the former world number one, seems to be back to his top form as he breezes into the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 event in Doha. The Russian tennis star secured a dominant victory over Zizou Bergs, wrapping up the match in just under an hour with a score of 6-2, 6-1.
In a match that showcased Medvedev’s prowess and command, the 2023 champion demonstrated an impressive 75% service game, losing only eight points in his games. Medvedev, throughout the match, held his ground and didn’t face a single break point. He kept his opponent under constant pressure and capitalized on his return game opportunities. Bergs, on the other hand, struggled to keep up, losing 55% of the points in his service games.
In total, Medvedev seized five breaks out of nine possible opportunities, giving him control over the match’s pace and outcome. His next challenge in the tournament will see him go up against Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarterfinals.
Medvedev’s performance was punctuated by 11 winners and a mere six unforced errors. He didn’t need to exert much effort, given the 29 mistakes made by Bergs. The world’s sixth-ranked player displayed an impressive 32-8 advantage from the baseline, outclassing his opponent in all aspects of the game.
The match started promisingly for Bergs, who held his serve in the first game. However, the tide turned in the third game, where he faced four break points, with Medvedev capitalizing on the last one after an extended rally to secure his first break of the match.
Medvedev further asserted his dominance by consolidating the break with a hold at 15, and grabbing the sixth game due to Bergs’ shaky backhand. A lucky net cord backhand winner in the seventh game allowed Medvedev to secure a love break, moving him 5-2 up and putting him in a position to serve for the set.
In a convincing display of his skills, Medvedev served an ace and held at 30 to wrap up the first set 6-2 in 29 minutes. In the second set, he kept his foot on the pedal, putting relentless pressure on Bergs. The latter’s missed volley in the first game resulted in a break for Medvedev.
Medvedev consolidated the break in the second game with a service winner, and another error from Bergs in the following game allowed him to secure another break, giving him a 3-0 lead. A service winner in the fourth game saw Medvedev move closer to victory, while Bergs managed to avoid a bagel by securing a point with a volley winner.
Medvedev’s ace in the sixth game gave him a 5-1 lead, and he generated two match points in the seventh game following a forehand error by Bergs. Medvedev then converted the second match point after a backhand error by Bergs to clinch the victory.
This victory marks a significant return to form for Medvedev, who will be looking to maintain his momentum as he progresses further into the tournament.
