Medvedev overcomes Paul, sets up Indian Wells final rematch against Alcaraz
Daniil Medvedev came back to beat Tommy Paul in three sets on Saturday night in Indian Wells. Medvedev booked a spot in the final alongside Carlos Alcaraz.
Daniil Medvedev, Indian Wells 2024 – © Antoine Couvercelle / Panoramic
Daniil Medvedev has made a return trip to the final of the BNP Paribas Open after beating Tommy Paul 1-6, 7-6(3), 6-2 on Saturday night. Medvedev prevailed in two hours and 23 minutes to set up a rematch of the 2023 Indian Wells final against Carlos Alcaraz.
Interestingly, both Medvedev and Alcaraz recovered from first-set breadsticks to win their respective semi-final contests. The Spaniard preceded Medvedev’s victory by beating Jannik Sinner 1-6, 6-3, 6-2.
MEDVEDEV RECOVERS FROM SLOW START
The Russian’s success was not as surprising given that he was an obvious favorite against Paul heading into the second semi-final. However, the American came out blazing hot by getting into net as frequently as possible — leaving his opponent positively befuddled.
Following his opening-set woes, however, Medvedev began to find his game. The world No 4 battled through an amazing second set to take it in a tiebreaker, during which Paul tweaked his left ankle. Paul’s slightly jaded physical state combined with Medvedev’s rising level resulted in a somewhat lopsided third set.
“It’s very tough when it’s evening and cold here,” the 2021 US Open champion commented. “He played an unbelievable first set, so I was like, ‘okay. If I want to win I have to try to do a little bit better.’ Then the match started to be a long fight…. In the third set it was 6-2, but it was very, very long games. I’m really happy to pull this off.”
Earlier in the tournament Medvedev defeated Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena (6-2, 6-3), American Sebastian Korda, the No 29 seed (6-4, 5-7, 6-3), Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, the No 13 seed (6-4, 6-4) and Dane Holger Rune, the No 7 seed (7-5, 6-4).
It was still an outstanding fortnight for Paul, as the world No 17 scored victories over Alex Michelsen (6-2, 6-2), Frenchman Ugo Humbert, the No 14 seed (6-4, 6-4), Italian lucky loser Luca Nardi (6-4, 6-3) and Norwegian Casper Ruud, the No 9 seed (6-2, 1-6, 6-3).
“I saw Carlos today,” Medvedev said. “He was playing pretty well in the second and third sets, especially. I know what happened last year, so I’m going to try my best to try to turn this around…. Hopefully I can be able to do it.”
