The quarter-final day got off to a rather leisurely start on centre court, as both Daniil Medvedev and Alex Michelsen (USA) felt their way cautiously into the match. "The shadows on the court made the conditions quite difficult. It took some time to get used to it. It was then better in the second set," explained Daniil Medvedev after the match, which he won 6:4, 6:3.
The former world number three acted calmly, especially in his service games. The US-American did not manage to create even one break chance in the 85-minute match. And while the first set rippled along a little, it was Daniil Medvedev who struck at the decisive moment. It was at 5:4 and Alex Michelsen was serving. The favourite suddenly increased the pressure and the pace, which the American was unable to withstand. The first set point went in and Daniil Medvedev was 6:4 ahead after 39 minutes.
From then on, the two players engaged in exciting exchanges of blows. It became clear why Daniil Medvedev has already ascended the world ranking throne once. Alex Michelsen fought back, but was unable to prevent another break to make it 1:3. However, the brief time-out that followed, which was caused by Daniil Medvedev's nose bleeding, did not rattle him. The 29-year-old already had match point at 5:3. However, the American fought back, fending off four match points brilliantly and reducing the deficit to 4:5 from his point of view. Daniil Medvedev missed two more match points on his own serve, but then capitalised on his seventh opportunity to end the match.
In this form, Daniil Medvedev is definitely capable of winning the title at the TERRA WORTMANN OPEN. He has already won a grass court tournament on Mallorca in 2021. In Halle, he has ‘only’ managed to reach the final in 2022.
