Monte Carlo: Daniil Medvedev overcomes cramp, edges Karen Khachanov

Karen Khachanov made a successful begin on the Monte Carlo Masters. The ninth seed prevailed over his compatriot and good friend, Kran Khachanov, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 in two hours and 52 minutes! Medvedev struggled with a cramp within the closing levels of the duel.

Nevertheless, he stored his composure and sealed the cope with a break at 5-4. Thus, the better-ranked Russian defeated his compatriot for the seventh time in 9 encounters. Daniil nearly squandered a 5-1 benefit within the first set, taking it 7-5 after over an hour.

Khachakov trailed 4-2 within the second set and stood close to the exit door. Nevertheless, he rattled off 4 video games to assert the set 6-4 and pressure a decider. Karen erased a break 3 times within the remaining set earlier than Daniil sealed the cope with his third straight break at 5-4.

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Medvedev claimed 11 factors greater than his rival. He served at solely 50% and struggled behind the second serve large time. Khachanov stole 47% of the return factors and offered eight breaks from 16 alternatives. Nevertheless, he wanted extra to emerge on the prime. 

Karen gave away 52% of the factors in his video games and skilled 9 breaks from 20 probabilities introduced to his compatriot. Medvedev hit extra service winners, and Khachanov erased the deficit on the web. Nevertheless, the better-ranked Russian created a buffer from the baseline. 

Daniil Medvedev, Monte Carlo 2025© Stream screenshot

 

The ninth seed was off to a dependable begin. He movd 2-1 in entrance with a forehand winner and delivered his first break within the subsequent one after a artful drop shot. Khachanov netted a backhand within the sixth level and skilled one other break to seek out himself 5-1 down. 

Daniil served for the set in video games seven and 9 and suffered two breaks. Karen claimed an prolonged rally at 3-5 to tug the second break again and prolong the set. Khachanov served to remain within the set at 4-5 and denied three set factors for extra drama. 

Karen Khachanov, Monte Carlo 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Nevertheless, he skilled a blow within the twelfth recreation from 40-15. Medvedev received 4 straight factors and grabbed a vital break after the rival’s forehand error for 7-5 in 61 minutes. We noticed three consecutive breaks early within the second set. 

Daniil notched two and moved 3-1 in entrance following a backhand down the road winner. The ninth seed landed an ace in recreation 5 for a maintain at love earlier than shedding serve two video games later after a double fault. Khachanov made one other push on the return at 4-4.

Daniil Medvedev, Monte Carlo 2025© Stream screenshot

 

He landed a forehand down the road winner for an additional break and a 5-4 benefit. Karen fired a service winner in recreation ten, wrapping up the set 6-4 and introducing a decider after an hour and 56 minutes. They traded early breaks within the remaining set.

Khachanov sprayed a forehand error within the sixth recreation, shedding serve and falling 4-2 behind. He bounced again within the subsequent one and landed a forehand winner to tug the break again and cut back the deficit. Daniil responded on the return in recreation eight. 

Daniil Medvedev, Monte Carlo 2025© Stream screenshot

 

The ninth seed delivered his second straight break on the fourth break level after passing his good good friend on the web. Medvedev served for the win at 5-3 and sprayed a double fault, shedding serve and maintaining his rival in competition. 

Karen served at 4-5 and failed to increase the duel. Daniil struggled with a cramp in his left leg. Nevertheless, he painted a backhand down the road winner for a match level. Medvedev welcomed the rival’s mistake on the web, sealing the deal and ending a marathon on the successful facet.