Daniil Medvedev sends Australian Open title warning after beating Pedro Martinez to reach third round

Joe Krishnan23 January 2020

Daniil Medvedev made his case for an Australian Open title challenge after brushing off Pedro Martinez in straight sets.

The fourth seed, who has been mentioned as one of the players capable of competing with the 'big three' in 2020, overcame a tough battle in the first set against his little-known opponent.

Medvedev eventually prevailed 7-5, 6-1, 6-3 in two hours and nine minutes at the Margaret Court Arena to set up a clash with Jaime Munar or Alexei Popyrin in the third round.

The Spanish qualifier, ranked 199th in the world and making his debut in the main draw of a Grand Slam, had not dropped a set in any of his qualifying matches.

Medvedev soon found out why. After racing into a 4-1 lead, the Spaniard fought back valiantly to 4-4 in the opening set before narrowly losing 7-5 after the Russian clicked into gear.

In Pictures | Australian Open 2020

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The next set provided much more of a one-sided contest, with Medvedev snatching a double break after some stunning backhand passes to seal the second set in 36 minutes.

It was no surprise to see Martinez's confidence and energy levels dwindle given his lack of experience at this level but he was determined to leave with some dignity, holding in his first two games of the third set.

But Medvedev, looking more relaxed and confident, turned on the style with a stupendous behind-back volley and swiftly secured the all-important break in the fifth game.

Martinez's body language suggested he knew his gruelling journey to the second round was coming to a close but it was clear from this performance he would be back at this level in the future.

As for Medvedev, he continues to display the kind of tennis that suggests he is ready to fight for his first Grand Slam title after his heartbreaking defeat in the US Open final last year.

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