Medvedev unhappy in Vienna: "Like on a clay court"

Daniil Medvedev reached the quarterfinals of the Erste Bank Open for the fifth time in his fifth appearance at the Stadthalle on Wednesday.

However, the Russian struggled against Cameron Norrie (ATP-41.) and even had to save a match point in the 4:6, 6:3, 7:6(1) victory. After 2 hours and 31 minutes, the world number five had secured the win.

Medvedev annoyed by slow surface

"I'm not happy with how I behaved in the third set, but I couldn't cope with the circumstances. It's a bit like on a clay court, you have to develop the rally, and I don't really like that," the Russian said on "ServusTV" after reaching the quarterfinals.

Medvedev repeatedly hit the court with his fist but did not sustain any injury. He recently made headlines with a disqualification.

The Russian perceives the surface in Vienna as particularly slow. However, that wasn't always the case; since he arrived in Vienna's 15th district from the super-fast surface in Almaty, it hasn't been fast enough for him. In Kazakhstan last Sunday, he successfully defended a title for the first time in his career.

Blockbuster semi-final possible

In Vienna, however, Norrie made life difficult for the Russian. The 31-year-old world No. 41 led the ATP world No. five 3-0 in the deciding set, then 5-3 after a break, and even had a match point.

But Medvedev managed to break back and was clearly stronger in the tie-break. In the next match against Frenchman Adrian Mannarino (ATP-73.), he is the clear favorite. If he lives up to expectations, a blockbuster semi-final clash with Carlos Alcaraz could ensue.