ATP Paris: Daniil Medvedev passes Roger Federer after toppling Schwartzman

For the first time since 2016, Roger Federer will not finish the season in the top-4, with Daniil Medvedev moving ahead of the Swiss following the semi-final run in Paris. The Russian took down Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-1 in 62 minutes, dropping five points on serve and never facing a break chance. Fighting for the last ATP Finals spot, Schwartzman was miles from those numbers, dropping half of the points behind the initial shot and giving serve away four times to propel Medvedev towards the fifth Masters 1000 semi-final. Daniil will compete in only the second semi-final of the season following the US Open, unable to find the form from the previous season but having a chance to fix all that in Paris at the season's third and last Masters 1000 event. The Russian fired 17 winners and 16 unforced errors, dictating the rallies' pace and keeping the Argentine on six winners and more than 20 unforced mistakes.

Daniil had a clear advantage in the shortest and most extended rallies, hitting a service winner in 37% of the points behind the initial shot and overpowering the opponent in the more extended exchanges from the baseline. Seeking the London berth, Diego held at love in the first game with a volley winner, with Medvedev repeating a perfect hold in game two to get his name on the scoreboard. The Argentine started to slow down in the third game, sending a forehand long and giving the Russian an early break, confirmed with Daniil's two winners in game four that sent him 3-1 in front.

Daniil Medvedev lost only four games against Diego Schwartzman to reach semis.

Medvedev closed the sixth game with a volley winner at the net, taking advantage in the exchanges and keeping everything under control so far. The Russian landed an ace in the eighth game to forge a 5-3 lead, sealing the opening set with the second break in game nine for 6-3 after 35 minutes.

Daniil opened the second set with a hold at love after a service winner and produced another fine one that sent him 2-1 in front. Unable to impose his strokes or find an open court on the other side of the net, Diego experienced another break following a superb defense from Daniil, who fired four winners in game five to confirm the advantage and race further in front. With nothing left in the tank, Schwartzman gave serve away at love at 1-4 following a forehand mistake, allowing Medvedev to serve for the victory in the next one. Marching towards the finish line, the Russian landed three service winners in that seventh game to move over the top and remain on the title course, beating the Argentine for the fourth time in as many matches. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3k30nXt