The defending champion, Daniil Medvedev, engaged in a rigorous contest against Hamad Medjedovic at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Monday, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory with a strong third-set performance. Despite a challenging start and uncertainties about his own performance, Medvedev emerged triumphant with a 7-6(5), 2-6, 7-5 win.
In his post-match reflections, Medvedev acknowledged his initial struggles and expressed relief at overcoming them. He candidly admitted that his serve and shots did not meet his desired level of precision, while maintaining his optimism about delivering his best tennis in future matches.
As the winner of the previous year’s ATP Masters 1000 title, Medvedev now strives to defend his tour-level title for the first time. Despite encountering obstacles, he demonstrated resilience and determination by securing a place in the last 16 at all five ATP Masters 1000 events in 2024, a noteworthy achievement he shares with Alexander Zverev.
Conversely, the 20-year-old Medjedovic displayed considerable potential during the match, delivering 41 winners and creating tense moments for the defending champion. Although he fell short of victory, he established himself as a formidable opponent and gained valuable experience in facing a top-ranked player.
Ultimately, Medvedev’s strategic approach and unwavering focus facilitated his triumph, disrupting Medjedovic’s momentum and clinching the win after nearly three hours of intense gameplay. Despite his critical self-assessment of being “way too aggressive,” Medvedev’s statistics reflected a solid performance, with 18 winners recorded.
The match served as a compelling testament to the competitive spirit and skill exhibited in the world of tennis, showcasing the fortitude and determination of both players. As the tournament progresses, fans can anticipate more thrilling matches and inspiring displays of talent as the world’s best athletes compete for victory on the court.