Daniil Medvedev cruises past error-strewn Felix Auger-Aliassime to make last 16 at Australian Open
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ByEurosport
Updated 20/01/2024 at 10:44 GMT
Daniil Medvedev capitalised on an error-strewn performance from Felix Auger-Aliassime to progress through to the round of 16 at the Australian Open. Auger-Aliassime produced a flurry of unforced errors as the Russian third seed dominated throughout to set up a showdown with the unseeded Nuno Borges, who fought back from a set down to beat Grigor Dimitrov in four sets.
Auger-Aliassime wins opening point against Medvedev in blockbuster clash
Daniil Medvedev progressed through to the last-16 stage of the Australian Open after beating Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3 6-4 6-3 on Margaret Court Arena.
The Russian had won all previous six encounters between the pair and was comfortable throughout. Auger-Aliassime was unable – bar a wobble at the start of the second set from Medvedev - to lay a glove on his opponent.
Medvedev was given a thorough examination of his Melbourne Park credentials in round two, overcoming Emil Ruusuvuori in five sets in a match that finished at nearly 4am.
However, this was a far more straight-forward affair with Auger-Aliassime hitting 42 unforced errors.
“It was tough, especially after the last match I had,” began Medvedev in his on-court interview after the match.
“I am happy to play to a good level. It was tough for me to run so I always tried to give him a tough shot to not have to run too much.
“Finally in the third set, I managed to pull out some good shots. So I am happy about my game and I am looking forward to what’s next.”
The third seed made a quick start, collecting a break in the third game of the first set and opened up a one-set advantage when he backed that up by again breaking in the ninth.
Auger-Aliassime took the initiative at the start of the next set, but having secured a break, he was unable to capitalise as a flurry of unforced errors allowed moment get away from him.
When Medvedev took advantage - breaking twice to collect a two-set advantage - the writing appeared to be on the wall.
And so it played out as the third was played at breakneck speed, with the 2021 US Open winner wrapping up a comfortable win.
The Russian is a two-time finalist at Melbourne Park – in 2021 and 2022 – and will face the unseeded Nuno Borges in the next round.
“I saw the first set today and he was playing well,” said Medvedev of his next opponent.
“And to beat Grigor who was on fire lately is a big achievement and I am looking forward [to it]. Hopefully I can show you guys my best level."
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