Daniil Medvedev emerged as the lone survivor among top 3 seeds on Tuesday with his 6-4, 7-6 (4) first-round defeat of Jan-Lennard Struff.
The tournament No. 1 at the Aviation Club bucked the upset trend after second seed Alex de MInaur lost 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 to Marin Cilic and No. 3 Andrey Rublev was eliminated by French qualifier Quentin Halys 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5).
Medvedev is back on form after retiring following his first set in last week’s Doha quarter-finals against Felix Auger-Aliassime with gastric problems.
The top seed advanced in an hour and three-quarters to secure his eighth defeat of Germany’s Struff from nine matches.
“I beat him in Marseille a few weeks ago,” Medvedev said after winning on his fifth match point in a match with only one break of serve.
“His serve is his biggest weapon, he’s a dangerous opponent. I managed to read it well, that happens sometimes.
“‘m pleased with my performance and happy to be in the second round.”
Struff saved nine break points in his losing effort and won 27 points at the net.
Medvedev said he was not concerned about defeats handed to his fellow seeds. “You just need to play well and win your matches,” the 29-year-old said.
“That gave me no stress before coming on court. I’m looking forward to the match tomorrow.”
Main photo:-Daniil Medvedev winning at the Aviation Club – by ATPTour.com
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