Daniil Medvedev showcased a remarkable performance in the opening rounds of the Almaty Open, successfully navigating his way to the quarter-finals while benefiting from the early exit of top seed Karen Khachanov. Medvedev faced Adam Walton in his second-round match, where he demonstrated resilience by overcoming a challenging situation. After falling behind 1-4 in the second set and facing multiple break points, he recovered to secure a 7-5, 7-6(0) victory, demonstrating his mental fortitude and competitive spirit.
“It was a very tough match,” Medvedev reflected. “At 1-4, I think I saved four or five break points. That was crucial because then I managed to break back and get back into my rhythm. I’m pleased to have defeated a tough opponent.” This win marks a significant step for the 29-year-old as he aims to capture his first title since 2023. Following this match, Medvedev improved his standing to 14th in the ATP Race To Turin, inching closer to qualifying for the ATP Finals for the seventh consecutive year, although he still trails Lorenzo Musetti, currently occupying the eighth qualifying position, by 1,025 points.
In a surprising turn of events, veteran player Jan Lennard Struff eliminated the top-seeded Khachanov with a score of 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-3, earning his spot in the quarter-finals for the third time this season. Struff, at 35 years old, became the oldest player to reach this stage of the tournament’s history, setting up an intriguing clash against Corentin Moutet in the next round.
In earlier matches, Shintaro Mochizuki made headlines by defeating fourth-seeded Luciano Darderi with a straight-sets victory of 6-3, 6-3, marking his first advancement to the quarter-finals at a tour-level event this season. His compatriot, Alex Michelsen, also progressed after a convincing 6-3, 6-2 win over Beibit Zhukayerey and backed it up with a solid performance against Aleksandar Vukic.
The competition continues to intensify as players strive for coveted points and titles in the lead-up to the end of the season. The Almaty Open has provided thrilling tennis and unexpected results, keeping fans eagerly anticipating the next matchups.
