MY ACCOUNT
Daniil Medvedev quietened the home crowd in Sydney as he dispatched Australia’s Alex De Minaur in straight sets to seal victory for Russia in the ATP Cup.
Medvedev, who led Russia to victory in last year’s tournament, lost his first singles match at the 2022 edition, going down to France’s Ugo Humbert.
However, the US Open champion hit back in convincing fashion against De Minaur, winning 6-4 6-2 in 80 minutes.
Medvedev’s win took Russia into an unassailable 2-0 lead prior to the doubles encounter between the two nations, which the world number two also featured in alongside the in-form Roman Safiullin, who made it three wins from as many games by overcoming James Duckworth 7-6 (8-6) 6-4.
The Russian duo then made sure of a 3-0 match win in the doubles, coming back from losing the second set to triumph 10-6 in the decider.
“We fight when we play for our country, to the last point,” said Medvedev, who also revealed he felt unwell before his singles game and had to take painkillers.
“I’m really happy for Roman, he’s winning every match he’s played so far. I watched his match tonight from the locker room. I’ve known him since he was 10, he had a good junior career and has been unlucky with injuries.”
Russia have put themselves in a strong position to qualify from Group B, though they face Italy – in a repeat of last year’s final – in their last match, with Australia taking on France, who are already eliminated.
France’s elimination came at the hands of Italy, with Matteo Berrettini’s singles win over Humbert was enough to secure victory for the 2021 runners-up.
Great Britain suffered disappointment in Group C, with Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov coming out on top 6-4 6-1 in the decisive doubles encounter against Joe Salisbury and Jamie Murray.
Dan Evans defeated Shapovalov in straight sets to nudge Great Britain ahead, yet Auger-Aliassime started Canada’s comeback with a 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 win over Cameron Norrie.
It is all to play for in that group, with Germany having overcome the United States 2-1 – world number three Alexander Zverev in commanding form once more.
That leaves all four teams on 1-1 records and in with a chance of making the semi-finals.
