Prior to their Miami Open quarterfinal contest on Wednesday night, Daniil Medvedev indicated that “there are reasons” why Roberto Bautista Agut is not ranked higher than he is.
Medvedev, himself, may still be trying to find out what those reasons are.
The world No. 2 fell to 0-3 lifetime in the head-to-head series when he fell to Bautista Agut 6-4, 6-2 in one hour and 32 minutes. Medvedev had no answers for the Spaniard’s brick-wall defense and incredible ball-striking. Bautista Agut was out-aced eight to zero, but he was basically flawless from the back of the court all night long and helped his chances by saving all three of the break points he faced.
“I want to give Daniil all the credit,” the world No. 12 commented. “I know he is one of the best players in the world. He’s been winning a lot of matches; he’s No. 2 in the world. So I’m very happy and proud about how I played today. I think I showed a great level on the court.”
Bautista Agut is through to the Miami semifinals for the first time in his career, but he is no stranger to this stage of Masters 1000 events. The 32-year-old advanced this far at the 2014 Mutua Madrid Open and finished runner-up at the 2016 Shanghai Rolex Masters.
Up next for Bautista Agut is a first-time Masters 1000 semifinalist, Jannik Sinner. The 19-year-old Italian battled past Alexander Bublik 7-6(5), 6-4 in a wildly entertaining match.
“We had a tough battle two weeks ago in Dubai,” said Sinner, who won that previous showdown in three sets. “[It was] tough here today, as well. It was strange today. He was changing the game…. I never had this kind of match, to be honest. I just tried to stay there, stick into the match, and I am happy about my performance today.”
At the handshake, Bublik told his opponent, “You’re not human, man. You’re 15 years old and you play like this.”
nice one, RBA
Its nice to see some respect on RBA. He is so steady, best weapon is his mind and consistency. Great mover, plays defense at the right times, and pushes every player to the limit, but doesn’t have a monster weapon and continues to be solid. He could win the tournament under the radar here. Happy for non flashy, yet fundamental tennis.
He actually beat Djokovic here two years ago
Should be a great match, as will be Rublev vs Hurcasz….RBA in top form these days…in 2.