Clay-shy Daniil Medvedev broke through for a career-first fourth-round place at the Rome Masters on Monday as the third seed’s discomfort with the clay faded with a victory.
Medvedev mounted a come-from-behind effort to dismiss Spanish specialist Bernabe Zapata Miralles 3-6, 6-1, 6-3 which he finished on a third match point with an inside-out winner.
The seed who has always distrusted the dirt, remains in the chase for a sixth career Masters title after his victory which included 25 winners and 28 unforced errors.
Defeat of Zapato Miralles means that for the first time since 1993, there will be no Spanish player in the fourth round here.
“This was my third win on clay from a set down,” the winner said.
“I managed to play better; I’m definitely happy with my level.
“I’m playing my best tennis on clay – I’ve never played so well in Rome and I’m feeling great.
“The end was high quality, I was enjoying myself.”
Medvedev paces the ATP with 35 wins this season and stands level with Carlos Alcaraz on four titles since January.
