Daniil Medvedev in the Indian Wells Masters 1000 final after his win over Frances Tiafoe

After Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai, Daniil Medvedev is only one victory away from making the pass of four. Indeed, the Russian qualified for the final of the Indian Wells Masters 1000 by beating Frances Tiafoe in two sets (7-5, 7-6 [4]). Despite a surface that he finds much too slow, balls that lose their speed on the first bounce and a painful ankle, Medvedev was once again too strong for his opponent.

However, Tiafoe arrived in full swing, having not conceded the slightest set since the start of the Californian tournament. But the score of the first set, if hung, is relatively misleading. Indeed, as the match progressed, Medvedev neutralized his opponent better and better. Taking advantage of a less efficient service game from Tiafoe, the Russian made the first break of the match. In the process, he completed the set on a white game without having had a single break point to defend.

Full of confidence, Medvedev broke from the start of the second set thanks to an improbable passing shot after a bewildering defense (1-0). This advantage, he was going to keep it by controlling the match until 5-3. He was even going to get three match points that Tiafoe was going to save to come back to 5-4. And these match points had the immediate effect of rousing the American from the torpor into which Medvedev had plunged him.

It was then the beginning of the Tiafoe show. He was going to make the break first as Medvedev served for the game. Match which got carried away for the greatest pleasure of the public when Medvedev resumed the service of Tiafoe and offered himself four new match points. Unfortunately for him, his first ball had gone astray in the desert and he was forced to play a tie-break.

Calm and in control again, Medvedev broke away too quickly at 5-1. If Tiafoe came back to 5-4, Medvedev did not let go of anything on his serve and ended the match with an ace (the 9th). Not really worried, but strongly contested, Daniil Medvedev is more than ever the man in shape at the start of the season. Whether it’s Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner, the challenge for his opponent will be substantial.