Now two matches away from going twenty unbeaten, Daniil Medvedev can hit the milestone if he wins the Indian Wells Masters title. Carlos Alcaraz is heavily expected to be waiting in the final but the Russian must first beat Frances Tiafoe, another home favourite who is having a career week here after Taylor Fritz’s title last year. Medvedev has dominated this matchup previously, going 4-1 overall.
After a tight three setter in the previous round, it was a bit easier for Medvedev in the quarter finals although there was still plenty of drama during his 6-3 7-5 win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. He came into this match with questions over his ankle after a fall previously only to see another lead to mid-match treatment, this time on a bloody thumb. He was medicated enough to take to the court but a Miami withdrawal would not be a surprise following this tournament. “I knew I was going to play, I knew I was going to try. But I couldn’t move well on the warm-up. I tried to warm it up as long as possible, took one painkiller so that probably helped. I was actually feeling better and better during the match.” he said.
Tiafoe has been impressive on his way to the last four, not yet dropping a set. His latest win came over 2021 champion Cameron Norrie, controlling the match for large parts against the below-par Brit. His speed and movement can be very effective and he showed that once more here. “To be able to come out here and beat him in straight sets, is relatively comfortable. At the end, it got a little tricky, but it was pretty one-way traffic and I am really happy with where my game is at.” he said after.
While Tiafoe continues to improve as a player, the difficulties posed by an in-form Medvedev will still be massive for him. The Russian can rally forever and barely miss, even on this court that he has been very vocally dismissive of. Backed by a vocal home crowd, Tiafoe should at least put up a fight and be able to test the mettle of the fifth seed. A quick start will be vital but just as importantly, Tiafoe needs to have a super serving performance. It was one of his biggest weaknesses in previous losses against Medvedev, who himself cruised through service games during comfortable victories.
Prediction – Daniil Medvedev in three sets
