Daniil Medvedev overcomes Christopher Eubanks to reach Miami Open semi-final
The in-form Russian won 6-3 7-5 against his unheralded American opponent.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Daniil Medvedev ended the run of qualifier Christopher Eubanks to reach his first Miami Open semi-final.
American Eubanks has been enjoying the best fortnight of his career and will break into the top 100 for the first time next week, but Medvedev proved too strong in a 6-3 7-5 victory.
The Russian has won 22 of his last 23 matches, losing only in the Indian Wells final to Carlos Alcaraz, and is bidding for a fourth title from five tournaments.
Medvedev has already played 30 matches in 2023, and he told Amazon Prime Video: “That’s crazy because I feel great. I don’t know if it’s going to cost me at the end of the season – I hope not.
“That’s what we try to do with my team. Last year was not amazing but we were practising and working a lot. One moment I was like, “When is it going to pay off?’ This year it managed to click. I’m looking forward to one more.”
He was the player under pressure to start with, saving five break points in his second service game against the rangy Eubanks, but Medvedev came out strongly after a brief rain delay, winning five games in a row.
The only blip came with a loss of serve after he broke Eubanks to lead 4-2 in the second set but the American was unable to hold to force a tie-break.
In the last four, Medvedev will meet his good friend Karen Khachanov, who eased to a 6-3 6-2 victory over Francisco Cerundolo.
Petra Kvitova battled to a 6-4 3-6 6-3 win against Ekaterina Alexandrova to reach the Miami semi-finals for the first time at the age of 33.
The veteran Czech claimed the crucial break of serve in the eighth game of the third set after withstanding pressure and will meet Romanian Sorana Cirstea for a place in the final.