Medvedev narows gap with Alcaraz after 60th season win

Daniil Mdevedev matched the 60 wins this season of Carlos Alcaraz as the former champion reached the third round of the ATP Shanghai Masters on Saturday through a 6-3, 6-3 defeat of Christian Garin.

The world No. 3 behind No. 1 Novak Djokovic and Alcaraz, is now just three match wins away from his career-best 63 achieved in 2001.

The second seed behind Alcaraz is bidding for a second trophy in the Chinese commercial capital after winning her in 2019.

“At this moment and with the form I’m in, I would confidently say I will do it (beat his season best number) , but never say things too early in tennis,” the 27-year-old said.

“I’m going to try my best, I’m going to try to play more good matches in the tournament that I have left this season. It’s a good result so far, so I want to try to do better.”

Medvedev won the first of his three career Masters honours in Shanghai four years ago, defeating Alexander Zverev in the final.

He will bid for the quarter-finals against Sebastian Korda.

Tsitsipas stepped up his own recovery in form with an opening-round defeat of Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata 6-4, 6-2, holding his unforced error account to just four.

“It always helps having some good results in the background, especially when you come back to tournaments like this, big events at the best stage that tennis can offer,” the winner said. 

“I’ve had a few encounters playing here with different kinds of players… I’m constantly building, and I hope to continue on this journey.”