US trio join battling Medvedev in Brisbane semis
Murray Wenzel |
Top seed Daniil Medvedev has overcome red-hot lucky loser Kamil Majchrzak to join three Americans in the Brisbane International semi-finals.
Russia’s former world No.1, a three-time Australian Open finalist, dug deep into his kit bag for the 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 6-2 win, in two hours and 12 minutes, on Friday night.
World No.59 Majchrzak, who reached the fourth round at Wimbledon last year, came from the clouds to earn a main draw spot as, effectively, the second lucky loser after initial recipient Matteo Arnaldi also withdrew injured.
Having beaten big-serving American Reilly Opelka, the Pole had the answers on the big points to claim a tight first set and had two break points at 1-1 in the second set against a simmering Medvedev.
But the world No.13 and former US Open champion salvaged that service game and quickly turned the screws, leaning on his big serve and flat forehand to book a date in the final four with Alex Michelsen.
“He played great today, a high quality match, honestly top-10 level in terms of shot-making,” Medvedev said.
The Russian was beaten in the 2019 Brisbane final in his only other visit to Pat Rafter Arena.
He arrives in Australia outside the top 10 for the first time since 2018, but hopeful of rebounding under new coach and former Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson.
“I’m super happy with myself. All my shots were great,” he said.
“I worked hard during pre-season, I’m happy with how I’m playing now and looking forward.”
Michelsen, seeking a maiden ATP Tour title, beat compatriot Sebastian Korda 6-3 7-6 (9-7) earlier on Friday.
In the first of the men’s quarter-finals, Aleksandar Kovacevic, who ousted Nick Kyrgios and Cameron Norrie earlier in the week, claimed a 7-6 (7-3) 4-6 6-3 win over France’s monster-serving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
The American will face compatriot Brandon Nakashima, who beat Belgium’s Raphael Collignon 6-3 6-3.
AAP
