Daniil Medvedev needed a comeback on Sunday to finally hold off Denis Shapovalov 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 for a trophy win at the ATP Vienna 500.
The former No. 1 now owns two titles this season as he heads to Paris next week for the final event of the regular season; her performance this week assured him of a place in the season-wrapup ATP Finals from November 13 in Turin.
Canada’s Shapovalov staked his claim on the opening set with 21 winners but could not keep up the pace with his fourth-ranked opponent over two and a quarter hours.
“This match was the best of the week because Denis was really playing unreal until probably 4-3 in the second set. He dropped his level by maybe two per cent and I was able to use it,” Medvedev said..
“This is one of the best victories when you know your opponent is on top of you, but you try and stay there and do what you can.”
Medvedev improved to 45-15 on the season as he added to his trophy from Los Cabos, Mexico earlier this year.
The winner did not lose a set all week at the Stadthalle and finished his comeback with 24 winners and five breaks of the Shapo serve.
“It took six match points to come through in the end for his 15th career title.
“I like to play indoor hard courts at the end of the season,” Medvedev said prior to Paris. “I feel that I do a great job with my team not to arrive burnt out.
“I am looking forward to the last two tournaments of the year which are really important and I usually play well.”
