Australian Open: Medvedev strolls into last eight

Daniil Medvedev brushes aside Mackenzie McDonald in three sets to reach the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.

Daniil Medevedev reacts during his fourth-round contest on Monday. - REUTERS

Daniil Medvedev firmed as an Australian Open title contender when he brushed aside Mackenzie McDonald 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals for the first time and extend his winning streak to 18 matches on Monday.

SCORE CENTRE

The fourth seeded Russian won his first career five-set match in the third round but there was no need for a prolonged spell in the sun on Monday and he saw off McDonald in less than 90 minutes on Margaret Court Arena.

“It was a great match, I served well, I played well,” said Medvedev. “I was feeling great. I finished it in 1.30, which is important at this stage of the tournament. I managed to take all my chances today I think.”

Medvedev’s winning streak includes victories over Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev, and titles at the ATP Finals, Paris Masters and most recently the ATP Cup as mainstay of the Russian team. World No. 192 McDonald had some luck going to the net but could not match the power of Medvedev’s serve or the intensity the Russian brought to bear on big points.

Medvedev converted six of the seven break points he carved out, the last to win the match and set up a last-eight clash with compatriot Andrey Rublev or Norwegian Casper Ruud.

“I’ll be for Andrey because if he wins, it’s going to be at least one Russian in the semifinal,” Medvedev added.

“Maybe two with Aslan (Karatsev) playing in the other side of the draw.”

Qualifier Karatsev will play Grigor Dimitrov for a place in the last four on Tuesday.

Medvedev converted six of the seven break points he carved out, the last to win the match and set up a last-eight clash with compatriot Andrey Rublev or Norwegian Casper Ruud.