Medvedev motors into Dubai semis

Daniil Medvedev reached the ATP Dubai semi-finals for the second year in succession, defeatting Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-2, 6-3 on Thursday.

The Australian Open finalist who is playing an event for the first time since he lost a month ago to Jannik Sinner in Melbourne advanced with 15 winners and a mere six unforced errors in 89 minutes.

The world No. 4 stands a perfect 4-0 over the Spaniard.

“Alejandro can play very well,” Medvedev said. I knew that no matter the score, I needed to go until the last point. 

“The second set at one moment got a bit tighter but I managed to stay there and win some more games and it was enough to win.”

Medvedev dealt efficiently with evening wind and chillier temperatures on his way to victory, overcoming the kind of nerves which plagued him 24 hours earlier when he beat Lorenzo Sonego in a thriller.

“I was feeling better, I don’t know what happened yesterday. 

“A few people around me got a small virus, so maybe it is this. Some days that happens but I am happy today happened. 

“I’m not at my best shape yet but we have some more matches.”