Daniil Medvedev has nudged ahead in the struggle to remain on the ATP top ranking with the world No. 1 guaranteeing himself the summit through the US Open by virtue of a finals place at the Los Cabos event.
He is duelling with No. 3 Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic – both of whom will be missing from next week’s Montreal Masters.
Medvedev’s Mexican success – 7-6(0), 6-1 over fourth seed Miomir Kecmanovic – will pit him on Saturday against Brit Cam Norrie, who defeated Canadian FelixAuger-Aliassime 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in their semi on the hardcourt.
Medvedev, defending US Open champion and winner of five trophies last season, is searching for his first of 2022.
His showdown with Norrie will be his fourth final of the current campaign.
“(It was a very tough match,” Medvedev said. “All of the first set was level. There were so many many points where I felt like I was close to getting the edge. The tie-break was great.”
Medvedev fell behind 4-1 in the opening set before winning it in a tiebreaker – with some moral support from fans.
“I’m not the kind of guy to ask (for cheers), but I made a great point, so I thought, ‘This one was good, let’s try to pump it up a little bit.'”
On Saturday, Medvedev will hope to dethrone Norrie, defending the title. Medvedev won their only previous match in the Shanghai second round three years ago.
