In Rome, Medvedev collapses, Hurkacz survives!

© AFP

Elio Valotto

le 14/05/2024 à 19h50

2 min to read

Baez Hurkacz Medvedev Paul Rome

Titleholder in Italy, Daniil Medvedev will not retain his Roman crown. While he has never managed to retain a title in his career, the Russian has once again failed in his quest. After being badly outplayed in the third round (7-6, 2-6, 7-5 win over Medjedovic), the world number 4 could do nothing this time in the Round of 16. Medvedev came onto the court with a low level of energy and was soon unable to contain the shots of a very good Tommy Paul (16th). Dominated after just over an hour's play (6-1, 6-4), another member of the "top ten" fell in Italy.

For his part, Paul made the most of his opportunity. Very opportunistic and much more at ease in his movements than his opponent of the day, it's only logical that he should reach the quarter-finals.

Another top player was almost eliminated on Tuesday. Hubert Hurkacz. The Pole, ranked 9th in the world, was badly beaten for a long time by Sebastian Baez, who is very comfortable on ochre. Buoyed by a devastating serve (15 aces), Hurkacz scored a benchmark victory (5-7, 7-6, 6-4 in 2h38). Indeed, the fact that he was able to hold his own against a player far more at ease than him on clay (the Argentine is the player with the most wins on clay this year), perfectly illustrates the immense progress he has made on the surface. Engaged in an enormous battle against a very solid opponent (29 winners, 12 unforced errors), the Pole finally raised his head and will now play in the quarter-finals.