After a suspenseful match, Medvedev defeats Fils in the Indian Wells quarterfinals
A two-time finalist at the Indian Wells Masters 1000, Daniil Medvedev had to fight hard against Arthur Fils (6-4, 2-6, 7-6) to secure his spot in the semifinals.
Calm and composed in the first set, Medvedev only needed one successful break early in the match to take the lead, also capitalizing on Fils' 19 unforced errors.
Effective at the net (23 out of 38 points won at the net), the Frenchman changed his strategy and began using backhand slices to unsettle the world No. 5. Becoming more aggressive in rallies, he dominated the second set with authority, securing a double break.
Riding a wave of momentum, Fils led 4-2, with serve to follow, in the third set, but it was in the tie-break that the two players had to settle the match.
The decisive tie-break was intense, with Medvedev earning two match points, both brilliantly saved by the world No. 21. However, the third opportunity proved to be the charm for the Russian, ending Fils' impressive run in California.
For the third consecutive year, Medvedev will compete in the Indian Wells semifinals, where he will face Holger Rune.
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