Medvedev’s grinder: Shanghai quarterfinals deliver another near-miss for de Minaur
In a gripping Shanghai Masters quarterfinal, Daniil Medvedev staved off a stern challenge from Alex de Minaur, securing a 6-4 6-4 victory that kept the Russian on track for a first tour-level title in more than two years. Medvedev, battling cramps and fatigue in humid conditions during his previous win over Learner Tien, looked more like the former world No. 1 who can flip a switch in tight moments. De Minaur, hunting his 300th tour-level win, found the going tough as Medvedev’s relentless defense and precision serving wore him down across the two sets.
The key moments that swung the match
De Minaur created six break-point chances, a clear signal of the Australian’s willingness to swing for the fences. Yet each time Medvedev conjured the required hold, repelling the pressure with his famed resilience and accuracy. The 29-year-old’s ability to stretch rallies and dictate play allowed him to crack the crucial breaks in both sets. “I was super tired. I knew against Alex, like Learner, we were going to get a lot of long points,” Medvedev said. “We had a couple in the first set [of 29 strokes], and I knew it was going to be a long day. But I’m happy about the way I played. I was really clutch in important moments. I was hitting the ball great and putting him under pressure at many times.”
Medvedev’s return to form and the road ahead
Medvedev has had a tougher season, slipping to 18th in the rankings and enduring struggles in the majors. Yet in Shanghai, he rediscovered a familiar rhythm—combining tenacious defense with aggressive shot-making that earned him 27 winners and the energy-sapping advantage of playing the long rallies on his terms. His performance signals a possible return to peak-level consistency as he eyes a potential first tour-level trophy since the end of 2022, a milestone that has eluded him amid a challenging 2025 campaign.
Semifinals spotlight: a family and a fantasy path to glory
Medvedev’s semifinal opponent is Arthur Rinderknech, a shock heat-seeker who toppled 12th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3 6-4. Rinderknech’s run adds a new layer to Shanghai’s narrative—he will face Medvedev with a chance to push further into the title hunt. The other interesting storyline centers on Valentin Vacherot of Monaco, ranked 204th, who stunned Danish 10th seed Holger Rune to reach the semis. Vacherot’s journey has the feel of a Cinderella moment, and it was completed when Rune’s run ended in the quarters.
Speaking after his victory, Medvedev acknowledged the fatigue that inevitably accompanies long, physical matches, yet his ability to convert critical moments will be key as he chases what would be his first tour-level title since 2022. “I was really clutch in important moments. I was hitting the ball great and putting him under pressure at many times. I’m really happy with this level,” he commented, underscoring the balance between endurance and execution that has long defined his best tennis.
Upsets and what they mean for Shanghai
The day’s other notable results underscored why Shanghai remains a stage for drama. Rinderknech’s victory against a wounded Auger-Aliassime, paired with Vacherot’s stunning upset over Rune, has set up a potentially dramatic semis lineup and a possible family showdown if fate aligns—though Vacherot still has a formidable obstacle in Novak Djokovic in the last four. The semifinals promise a blend of grit, counter-punching, and precision as the Masters 1000 event edges toward its climax.
For Medvedev, the Shanghai run remains a barometer of whether he can re-establish himself among the game’s elite contenders and capture a milestone title that has eluded him in recent seasons. For de Minaur, the setback is another reminder of how hard it is to break through against the sport’s most consistent performers when it matters most in high-stakes matches.
