MDP Live - Daniil Medvedev scored a win to advance to the third round of the 2022 Australian Open after overcoming the host, Nick Kyrgios.
The second seed has lost to Kyrgios in their last two meetings but he turned things around with a solid performance and picked up a 7-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 win in 2 hours 58 minutes at Rod Laver Arena.
"I came to win that match and I'm glad I did," said Medvedev.
"It was an impressive game because we both served with a lot of power. In the second and fourth sets, I managed to return the ball with a bit more in the crucial moments. I just want to play my best game, shoot great shots, and hopefully that will be enough to do great things."
Kyrgios, who was triggered to appear in front of the audience himself, hit with varying speeds to disrupt the rhythm of the 2021 US Open champion's game from the baseline area. However, the Russian found the answers to her home game, including hitting 68 winners and hitting consistently flat groundstrokes.
“Against Nick, it was a tough match. I know he can serve with a lot of power and that alone is really difficult. I feel like I put it back really well, but breaking it is really hard. But matches like that, first, second, third round of Grand Slams, it's a big challenge that if you get through it you can say, 'OK, if I can keep playing like this, I can go a long way'," explained Medvedev.
The 13-titles player reached the final of the Australian Open last season (lost to Novak Djokovic), but this season he will be looking to take it one step further and before that, he will face Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp who has made it to the final. third after his French opponent, Richard Gasquet withdrew from the match 4-6, 6-4, 4-0 over van de Zandschulp's advantage.
In other action, 15th seed Roberto Bautista Agut rallied to beat Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 and book an Australian Open third round match against 20th seed Taylor. Fritz who overthrew compatriot, Frances Tiafoe with 6-4, 6-3, 7-6.
