(Miami) Daniel Medvedev (5e world) qualified for the final of the Masters 1000 in Miami, his fifth in a row in two months on the ATP circuit, beating 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 6-3 his compatriot Karen Khachanov (16e), Friday in Florida.
The 27-year-old Russian, who now has 23 wins in his last 24 games, will be looking for a fourth trophy this season, after those lifted in Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai in February.
For his first final in Florida, where he had never passed the quarters before, he will be opposed to the Italian Jannik Sinner (11e) or the defending champion, Carlos Alcaraz, who beat him two weeks ago at the Indian Wells Masters 1000. But the Spaniard must imperatively pass the ” Sunshine Double to keep his place as world No.1 at the end of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Medvedev has not had an easy game against Khachanov, a compatriot he now dominates 4-1 in their head-to-head. Because the latter continues to confirm his good dispositions on hard court in recent months, after reaching the last four at the United States Open last year and at the Australian Open in January.
The former world No.1, who won at Flushing Meadows in 2021, took it in two stages to pocket the first set. Unbroken after missing a set point at 5-4, he was not disunited, managing to lead the dance in the decisive game, until winning it on his second opportunity.
Khachanov, who was looking for a second Masters 1000, after the one gleaned at Bercy in 2018, on the other hand imposed his domination in the second round, aware of not having gone far from a nice blow in the first. More aggressive, he unleashed his big forehands which constantly put his rival in difficulty.
But Medvedev was able to raise his level of play in the last round, making the exchanges last by varying the blows, to push his compatriot to the fault. And he relied on an excellent serve (13 aces, 69% of successful first serves), to keep the successful break in the fourth game without being worried.
