Although he has yet to win the title at the TERRA WORTMANN OPEN, Daniil Medvedev feels at home on the Haller grass courts. In both 2022 and 2025, he was only defeated in the final. He has already taken the first step towards that goal this year. The world number seven secured a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry in his opening match.
Both players approached the game on grass differently from the grass-court specialists. Net attacks, despite good serves, were few and far between. Instead, spectators at the heristo-arena were treated to some impressive, lengthy rallies. Alongside the serves, it was the returns in particular that proved crucial for putting the opponent under pressure. The players then patiently attempted to outmanoeuvre their opponents. Daniil Medvedev undoubtedly succeeded better in this; he also got off to the better start, quickly securing a break and leading 4–2 before losing his own service game. Immediately afterwards, however, he broke the Argentine’s serve again and, after 46 minutes, took the first set 6–3.
And the 30-year-old kept up the pressure even after winning the set. For the most part, he dictated the rallies. In the third game of the second set, he broke serve again. Daniil Medvedev then focused entirely on his service games. In three of his four remaining service games, he conceded just two points. Towards the end, however, Tomas Martin Etcheverry almost managed a break back. At 0-40, the Argentine had three break points, but Daniil won five points in a row to seal a 6-3, 6-4 victory, and so, after just under an hour and a half, he was able to celebrate his place in the last 16.
“I’m satisfied. It was hard work, but it was also great fun to be playing here again,” said Daniil Medvedev, approaching the quest for the title with confidence.
