US Open champion Daniil Medvedev put on a masterful performance against Mackenzie McDonald at Indian Wells, winning 6-4, 6-2 in 72 minutes.
Medvedev didn’t face a break point, and converted three of his seven break chances against the American, who was urged on by a partisan home crowd.
“I’m actually really pleased, because usually I haven’t played well in Indian Wells and I haven’t been playing that well in practices before (the tournament),” Medvedev said.
“Really happy with my performance. That’s the most important no matter how I played before the tournament.
“Mackenzie is a really strong opponent, he can put pressure on everybody.
“I’m happy to be through quite fast.”
The tall Russian was never out of his comfort zone, even when McDonald’s ground stroke play started to gain traction.
He stuck to his serve and tempted to Californian to move to the net, then burning him down the line.
