After losing his No. 1 spot at Indian Wells, perhaps it’s just a matter of time that Daniil Medvedev will reclaim it here in the Miami Open.
The 26-year-old Russian cruised through his way into the last 16 and he is poised to win it all, especially with the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer absent.
Medvedev may be the tournament favourite but Hubert Hurkacz will definitely have something to say about that since he’s the defending champion here in South Beach. And the 25-year-old is also seeking for his first trophy of the season.
On the other hand, Taylor Fritz – who is fresh from shock win over Rafael Nadal at Indian Wells – will aim to prove to everyone that his latest win is no fluke as he’s vying for more silverware as well.
Read more below as SBOTOP gives you the latest Miami Open 2022 updates.
Daniil Medvedev looking like the favourite
It’s no coincidence that Daniil Medvedev is the favoured star by the Miami Open 2022 odds especially if you’ll look at his most recent performances.
The Russian is clearly on a mission as he’s embracing the heat under the Florida sun, brushing past Andy Murray and Pedro Martinez in his last two matches.
Medvedev was solid in the serve against two-time champion Andy Murray and it proved to be the case again versus Pedro Martinez yesterday, winning 79-per cent (31/39) points behind his first delivery in the match overall and firing 14 aces en route to the victory.
After Medvedev dropped only four points in the opening set, Martinez battled back to draw level at 2-2, but Medvedev found another gear to reclaim the lead and he never looked back from there.
“I just felt like I had to be more consistent, and the more consistent one today would win. I managed to just make a few less errors at important moments, serve even better, and it was a small margin but I managed to win and I’m really happy,” said Medevedev on his performance against Martinez.
Daniil Medvedev will encounter Jenson Brooksby, who is fresh from a comeback win over 15th seed Roberto Bautista Agut, for the first time ever in the fourth round.
Hubert Hurkacz’s title defence is still alive
Hubert Hurkacz’s love for the city of Miami continues to grow as he’s through to the next round following a grueling victory over Aslan Karatsev last night, 7-5, 4-6, 6-3.
The 2021 champion thrilled the Florida crowd with his strong serving performance, firing 24 aces to claim his eighth straight win in this particular tournament.
After going to the distance to win the opening set, Aslan Karatsev broke early and won the second set to give Hubert Hurkacz a scare heading into the deciding set.
But the Pole showed his poise by continuing to serve well and he is now on his way to take on Lloyd Harris in the last 16.
The 25-year-old is the only previous Miami champion left in the draw with former titlists Andy Murray and John Isner already eliminated in the second round.
Hurkacz has gone a long way since capturing his maiden ATP Master 1000 title here last season as he’s now in the Top 10 from being No. 37 previously.
Taylor Fritz gunning for another trophy
Taylor Fritz is eyeing the elusive “Sunshine Double” here in at ATP Tour, which is winning both at Indian Wells and at Miami. Only 10 have achieved the said feat so far, and Fritz is looking to be the 11th.
The 24-year-old had the biggest climb in the rankings last week, jumping into the Top 15 for the first time of his career after becoming the first American since Andre Agassi in 2001 to win at Indian Wells.
Fritz defeated his compatriot Tommy Paul, 7-6, 6-4 at the Round of 64, but he had a harder time against Mikhail Kukushkin last Sunday, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.
An early break to love was enough for Fritz to win the opening set but Kukushkin fought back in the second to force a decider.
Fritz proved to be the more clinical player as Kukushkin didn’t fare well in return games and the American now holds a 3-0 head-to-head record over the Kazakh.
He is dealing with an ankle issue following a long run in California, but he has pulled through and he’ll take on Miomir Kecmanovic tomorrow.
“I was a little worried about my ankle. Honestly, today it felt great and I’m super happy with my tennis, the whole three sets,” said Fritz after the match.
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