Medvedev upsets Djokovic in Monte Carlo

Russian Daniil Medvedev has made his maiden ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal appearance a memorable one, upsetting top seed Novak Djokovic.

The 23-year-old posted a 6-3 4-6 6-2 victory – his first against Djokovic in four attempts.

“It’s definitely the best match of my career. Not in terms of level of tennis, but definitely by the result. (It’s my) first Masters 1000 semifinal, beating No. 1 for the first time in my life,” Medvedev said. “Just amazing.”

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Djokovic, who admitted he struggled in the conditions, praised his No.14-ranked opponent.

“He’s got a very solid backhand. He doesn’t make many mistakes from the backhand. He hits it very low with depth. A windy day like today, conditions are changing every single game. It’s kind of tough to find the rhythm, and he doesn’t give you much rhythm,” Djokovic said.

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Medvedev next faces the unseeded Serbian Dusan Lajovic, who also reached a Masters 1000 semifinal for the first time when he defeated Italian qualifier Lorenzo Sonego 6-4 7-5.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal remains the one to beat.

The world No.2 survived a test against Argentine Guido Pella in the quarterfinals, winning 7-6(1) 6-2 in a two hour, 20 minute battle.

Pella started strongly, racing to a 4-1 lead with a double break in the opening set.

“I was lucky to escape and then I played better,” Nadal said of his slow start.

“I found a way at the right time. Sometimes these matches help for rhythm because you suffer.”

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Nadal will face Italian Fabio Fognini in the semifinals.

The No.13 seed also recovered from a slow start, scoring a 1-6 6-3 6-2 win over ninth seed Borna Coric.

“I think I was a little bit lucky,” Fognini told ATPTour.com. “I’m happy because I’m playing my second semifinal here. Happy because of course I’ve tried to do my best all week and now it’s time to play with a really good player.”

Nadal is aiming to create history in Monte Carlo this week by becoming the first man to win an ATP event 12 times.