Medvedev defeats Paire to start the race for the world’s ranking top.
Daniil Medvedev battled past Benoit Paire 6-1 4-4 in the opening second round at the Abierto Mexicano tournament in Acapulco on Tuesday, getting his attempt at the world number one ranking off an unbeatable beginning.
The match appeared to could be one-sided after Paire dropped a dead forehand into the net to give Medvedev an opening set after 51 minutes.
However, Paire could stretch his muscles during the second set, threatening the Russian’s serve, racing into a lead of 4-2.
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Medvedev focused and dominated Frenchman in a back-and-forth match to draw the score to 4-4.
He then won as Paire’s backhand flew into the net during a hot night in the resort town.
Top-seeded Medvedev is hoping to climb to the top of the world ranking for the first time, replacing Novak Djokovic, who is competing in the Dubai Championships.
Djokovic will have to give up the title if he wins Dubai for the sixth time if the Russian is victorious at his place in the ATP 500 tournament in Acapulco, where he’s making his debut in the tournament.
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