Former champion Daniil Medvedev picked up where he left off two years ago, reaching the third round of the ATP Toronto Masters 6-2, 7-5 over Matteo Arnaldi on Wednesday
Victory in 85 minutes sent the 2021 tournament champion and second seed into the third round after winning his sixth consecutive match in the city.
There was an upset loss for fourth seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas, winner of the Los Cabos trophy at the weekend, The Greek exited against resurgent French veteran Gael Monfils, with the 36-year-old posting a 6-4, 6-3 win.
Monfils was not particularly bothered by 29 unforced errors as he beat his first Top 5 opponent of the season on a second match point.
“After (losing) the first match point, I stayed very calm and tried to make simple choices,” the winner said.
“Maybe I was a bit too simple on the first match point, but I just stayed cool, there was no panic.
“I knew Stef came here with a lot of confidence and would be going for his shots.”
Medvedev beat Italy’s Arnaldi with 26 winners and 18 unforced errors.
“It felt great, but I could have played better in the second set,” he said “There were two or three games where I had to save break points.
“It was a pretty good match, now I need to improve further.
“It’s hot conditions during the summer and I need to get used to them. That usually takes two or three games.”
Medvedev improved to 8-1 in Toronto with his victory, his 47th this season.
Sixth seed Andrey Rublev stumbled in his first hardcourt match of the summer, losing 6-4, 6-3 to American Mackenzie McDonald.
A similar fate befell 13th seed Alexander Zverev, beaten 6-1, 6-2 by Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Canadian Milos Raonic, returning to the Tour after two years of injuries, continued to advance as he beat Japan’s Taro Daniel 6-4, 6-3.
But Aussie Alex de Minaur accounted for Canadian youngster Gabriel Diallo 6-4, 7-5.
Main photo:- Gael Monfils beating Tsitsipas in Toronto today by Mike Lawrence ATPTour.com
