Daniil Medvedev’s pursuit of the No.1 spot continued at the Mexican Open on Tuesday as he despatched Benoit Paire 6-3, 6-4.
The 26-year-old Russian can overtake current world No.1 Novak Djokovic and move into top spot if he wins the title in Acapulco.
“It’s not easy to come back after some rest and some time off competition,” Medvedev said after the match, commenting on the fact he had to come from a break down in the second set for victory.
“I managed to fight until the end against a very tough opponent and I’m happy that I managed to win.”
He will play either Alex Hernandez or Pablo Andujar in the next round.
