Daniil Medvedev was 6-2 lifetime against Karen Khachanov, but Medvedev lost their 2024 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters showdown in straight sets.
The world No. 11 got revenge for that result during first-round action on Monday, battling past Khachanov 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 in two hours and 52 minutes for a seventh win over his fellow Russian.
It was every bit as tough as the scoreline and time suggest, as very slow conditions made it difficult to win free points on serve or end rallies in quick fashion. Medvedev was even cramping on the last two points of the match but managed to get across the finish line with his ninth service break of the afternoon. The 29-year-old will face Alexandre Muller in the round of 32.
“I practiced very well before the tournament; I practiced better than I played today, even though I played well,” Medvedev commented. “It’s the first match on clay; it’s not my favorite surface…. But I’m happy to win. I watched the (other matches) today and there were a lot of breaks in all of them. Karen hit only one ace and he’s a big server. It was pretty slow, but I’m happy with my level in general.
“I’m feeling good. I had a long preparation for clay (for the) first time in five or six years, so that helped me to play [well] today.”
Also advancing on Monday were Lorenzo Musetti, Francisco Cerundolo, Matteo Berrettini, Gael Monfils, and Jiri Lehecka.
wild — and very good — match
Medvedev is the classic dark horse on slow courts. He talks down his chances then goes on a run
he’s done it…twice?
Is it happening again?