Medvedev outlast Fils to earn 3rd IW semi

A brief windstorm and a nosebleed interruption from his opponent could not stop Daniil Medvedev from claiming a third consecutive semi-final spot at the Indian Wells Masters on Thursday 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7) over Arthur Fils.

Play was halted for a few moments by umpire Fergus Murphy in the ninth game of the final set due to gusts which blew a courtside table out of position and scattered towels about.

Two games later France’s Fils had to pause for a bloody nose which quickly healed itself.

Meanwhile, the youngster ranked 21st saved two match points in the ensuing tiebreaker before his reflex volley at the net landed just over  the baseline.

The normally stoic Medvedev performed a little victory jig at the unexpected turn of fortune in the challenging, blowing condition at the desert venue.

He is now into the final four here for a third consecutive edition and will play Holger Rune after the Dane beat Tallon Griekspoor 5-7, 6-0, 6-3.      

Medvedev began turning his poor record in tiebreakers; prior to Thursday he had lost eight of his last nine deciding-set breakers dating back 18 months.

“I’ve lost a lot of tight matches this year,” the winner said. “That can mean losing confidence. 

“But the most important thing is to win and I’m glad to get over the line, that’s it.”

He added: “The match was very tough due to the wind. It was tough to play tactically, technically. 

“Whoever gets a bit more of a swirl of wind, they can frame it and it is a bit of luck. 

“I knew that he had a break in the third and I knew I could break back and that is what I managed to do.”

Medvedev improved his hardcourt record this season to 20-7 as he bids for his first title since 2023 in Rome.

He will enter his 15th Masters semi on Saturday against Rune.

Main photo:- Daniil Medvedev reaches third consecutive IW final – ATPTour.com