Medvedev edges closer to top spot guarantee

The Russian is aiming to add to his 13 weeks at the top of the ATP ratings

Daniil Medvedev needs one more victory to ensure he enters his US Open title defense later this month as world number one, after the Russian overcame Dutch rival Botic van de Zandschulp in their second-round meeting at the Cincinnati Masters on Tuesday.

Medvedev emerged from a tricky test to win 6-4, 7-5 at the hard court showpiece, also known as the Western and Southern Open.

The second set in particular was a challenge for Medvedev, who described it as “not that clean” as he was forced to save a set point on his serve before seeing out the match.

“The first match is tricky and I’m happy that I managed to go though, and hopefully I will raise my level in the next matches,” said Medvedev, who was handed a bye in the first round of action.

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