Daniil Medvedev fails in the Miami quarterfinals against Hubert Hurkacz and misses the jump to first place

Medvedev only dragged himself across the pitch towards the end of the game. The reigning US Open champion had previously been given a pill due to apparent pain.

Defending champion Hurkacz was unimpressed and ultimately converted his first match point after 2:03 hours. The Pole almost completely dominated the game, but failed to take advantage of his chances over long stretches.

In the first round, Hurkacz was already 5:2 in the lead, but after two missed set points, he brought Medvedev back into the set when the score was 5:3. The Russian fought back, secured the break to make it 4:5 and forced the tie-break.

This was balanced for a long time until Hurkacz took the serve from number two in the world to make it 6:5. Once again, the defending champion didn’t close the sack and subsequently missed two more set points before he was able to win the first round after 65 minutes (9:7).

Medvedev visibly battered

Hurkacz also got off to a better start in the second set and quickly pulled away to 4:2 with an early break. Medvedev now seemed visibly battered and staggered across the pitch at times.

The Russian then brought his service through again and reduced it to 3: 4, but the number eight in the world made short work of it, pulled away to 5: 3 and a little later converted his first match point (6: 3) when Medvedev served.

Djokovic remains number one in the world

The Australian Open finalist failed to displace Novak Djokovic (Serbia) from the top of the world rankings again. Medvedev should have reached the semifinals in Florida to overtake the 20-time Grand Slam winner.

Meanwhile, Hurkacz’s mission to defend his title continues. The Pole will now face either Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) and Miomir Kecmanovic (Serbia) in the semifinals.

(with SID)