Lajovic eases past Medvedev, cruises into Monte Carlo Masters final

Daniil Medvedev beat Novak Djokovic on Friday but succumbed to a straight-sets defeat against Dusan Lajovic in the semifinal of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Dusan Lajovic reeled off 10 games in a row to come from behind and retain his flawless record at this year's Monte Carlo Masters with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals.

Medvedev claimed his career's biggest win by defeating world number one Novak Djokovic in the last eight but crumbled against another Serbian on Saturday as Lajovic rallied from 5-1 down in the opener to make it 10 sets in succession.

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By reaching his first ATP Tour final, where he will face 11-time champion Rafael Nadal or Fabio Fognini, unseeded 28-year-old Lajovic guaranteed he will crack the top-25 of the rankings for the first time.

It's a first ATP Tour singles final for @Dutzee!

He defeats Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-1. | #RolexMCMasterspic.twitter.com/TZ890sQI55

— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) April 20, 2019

 

Medvedev looked to be cruising as he moved to within one game of the opening set with a second break of serve, but Lajovic managed to stage a phenomenal comeback. There was no let up from the Serbian in the second set and Medvedev only held at the third time of asking.

The Russian never looked like replicating his opponent's feat and forcing a decider, though, with a wayward backhand ensuring Lajovic's sensational run will continue through to the showpiece.