Jim Courier called Daniil Medvedev the “best on court interview in tennis.” The Russian beat Grigor Dimitrov 64 64 in a round of 16 duel which extended his career head to head to 7-3 vs the Bulgarian veteran.
Holger Rune saved a match point to beat Taylor Fritz last night round of 16, 26 76 63, but when asked twice about why he has re-hired Patrick Mouratoglou he dodged giving a sufficient answer. Rune essentially said he’s looking ahead not back.
Luca Nardi followed up his Djokovic upset with a 46 36 loss to American Tommy Paul. Impressed by Paul’s win was former US Davis Cup captain Tom Gullikson: “Well played by Tommy. I love the aggressive and athletic all court game he is imposing upon opponents. Aggression with discretion.”
Casper Ruud beat Gael Monfils in three sets 36 76 64 and leveled his career head to head vs the French acrobat at 1-1. Ruud vs Paul next in QF.
Yue Yuan of Yangzhou, China beat Daria Kasatkina, 11 seed, 46 64 63 in R16. Yuan did not have any notable junior results and she didn’t get her first sponsor until recently. Last year the 25 year old was ranked outside the top 140 (finished 2023 at 87). Now she’s in the top 40 (currently ranked 49) with a WTA title and her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal.
Birthday girl Coco Gauff (20) crushed the Elite Mertens, the destroyer of Osaka, 60 62. Mertens and Hsieh advanced to the doubles semis with a 61 64 win vs Schuurs/Stefani.
Today features Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev in their ninth career match, the German leads the head to head 5-3 vs. the world no. 2. Zverev is ranked 6.
Cory · March 14, 2024 at 10:39 am
Medvedev is a great personality, i love hearing his interviews. Brilliant mind but also humble. Unafraid to tell you how he feels or what he thinks. One of my favorite guys on tour.
Zverev has made it this far but he hasn’t looked convincing IMO. He was begging Griekspoor to win that match a few days ago.
Did anyone think Monfils would rise up in a big moment and beat one of the steadiest, most reliable players on tour, Ruud? Not me.
What do you think of Tommy Paul, scoop? Can he make a big move?
Scoop Malinowski · March 14, 2024 at 9:03 pm
I met Medvedev once in Washington DC when he was still unknown and unproven I tried to do a Biofile with him one afternoon but he said he was playing that day and it didn’t happen that week. But he was super kind and normal and friendly I liked him instantly good vibes from that brief encounter, good person good heart for sure. He’s a very special guy for the ATP. Cory yes Monfils said earlier in the week he’s got his mojo and confidence back and he’s ready to achieve anything (see my Monfils article this week). You could tell by his quotes he’s super confident and healthy again. No surprise. I love Paul, four years ago he seemed like he might not make it, ranked around 100, doing okay in Challengers but he hooked up with Brad Stine and they have a special union and its working. He may be the most talented of all the Americans, I think he can be the top American and threaten for majors.
Scoop Malinowski · March 15, 2024 at 10:53 am
I think this new Carlos fanatic fan with t shirt is a hired actor. The bee invasion is some kind of divine message. Tommy Paul can be top 5. Somebody wants Coco to win IW. Nice to see Monica Seles sitting with Larry Ellison. They might have written off Carlos too soon. Hsieh Mertens in the final again.
Sam · March 16, 2024 at 9:27 pm
Somebody wants Coco to win IW.
Well, it certainly wasn’t Maria Sakkari. 🤣