ROME (AFP): Daniil Medvedev continued his Italian Open clay breakthrough on Thursday as the third seed reached the semi-finals with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Yannick Hanfmann.
The 2021 US Open champion freely admits he’s never been comfortable on the dirt but has shattered that stereotype with his steady progress at the Foro Italico, reaching his seventh semi-final of the season.
He dominated number 101 German qualifier Hanfmann after settling in following breaks of serve in the opening three games in their quarter-final.
After going down a break in the second set, the 31-year-old Hanfmann complained to his coaching box that he had no legs left as he played on prior to losing serve for the fifth time in the match.
But he struck back briefly with a break of the seed to hold on for 2-4 before dropping serve again as Medvedev moved into winning position, closing it out on a second match point.
“I’ve been having good feelings in practice and I’m proving it here,” Medvedev said.
“I’m happy with the win and happy to be in the semi-finals. Prior to this edition, Medvedev had never won a match in Rome and had little confidence in his game on the clay.
He is now into the final four after four victories and the loss of just one set.
“Against Hanfmann I wanted to put as many balls into the court as possible. He plays very aggressive.
“I played deep to try and make him miss — and maybe he was not playing his best match. He was struggling more than me. I’m glad I was able to neutralise his game.”
Medvedev also increased his lead in Tour match wins as he claimed his 37th of the season.
Medvedev will meet world number five Stefanos Tsitsipas who triumphed over Borna Coric with a commanding 6-3, 6-4 win later in the evening.
“He’s been playing well and I’m playing also,” Tsitsipas said on court on the upcoming clash against Medvedev. “I feel good on court, regardless if it’s a night session or a day session and I really hope to bring the best out of me against him.
“I feel like he’s playing better than the years before.”
