Medvedev stops tall Eubanks, Miami revelation

Daniil Medvedev He doesn’t usually give gifts and this Thursday at the Masters 1.000 de Miami woke Christopher Eubanks from the dream that had carried him to the quarterfinals of the tournamentsecond in an ATP tournament for the 26-year-old American and 119th in the world, in his hitherto unprecedented career. The Russian from 27 and 5th in the ranking prevailed 6-3 and 7-5 in one hour and 29 minutes and will face his compatriot Karen Khachanov, who beat Argentine Francisco (6-3, 6-2) in the semifinals (the first for him in this event) on Friday.

“I wasn’t playing well, I failed at the beginning, because he put a lot of pressure on me, but I was able to focus again and put more energy to play better each time. The difference between me and a player like Chris is the consistency that comes from playing tournaments at this level. He will go further if he gets it”Daniel saidwinner this year of three titles (Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai) and finalist in Indian Wells, where Carlos Alcaraz passed him over. “I have never had such a good start to the year, with many points and victories. That match was a disappointment, but the only thing to do is start another run.”pointed the tennis player with the most wins in 2023 (27-3), who won 19 consecutive games and has only lost one of the last 23.

It was difficult for Medvedev to enter the game, perhaps due to lack of knowledge of an opponent whom he had not faced and had barely seen play. “You feel that he has confidence, that he tries anything, that he is not playing fair, but the other way around, but it works because he is on a cloud. Especially at the important points, it’s amazing that he manages to be so successful when he hits with all his might…”said the Frenchman Mannarino after losing against the Atlanta tennis player in the round of 16, who had just played the previous one. The fourth game was an ordeal for the Bear, who had to raise five break points to avoid seeing himself with a significant disadvantage on the scoreboard.

saving rain

Everything changed after a brief stoppage due to the rain with the score 3-2 in favor of the American. A 5-0 run gave Medvedev the first set and control of the match. From then on, the Muscovite solved his serves with greater ease and pressed those of his rival with more substance, supported by the public in general and by a spectator in particular, African-American actor Jamie Foxx, who personally wished him luck before the meeting. Thus he broke again to reach 4-2 and service. Although faith led the lanky Eubanks, a 7-foot-1, wire-legged tennis player who could perfectly well be an NBA forward, to immediately get the counterbreak. With his powerful serve, a good forehand and an interesting one-handed backhand, he regained his place and stood up. All that his risky game gave of himself (35 unforced errors). A drive went astray and with it, the game. But if he continues like this and gains precision, he will have something to talk about.