Mindful Medvedev relies on instinct to crush Brooksby

Daniil Medvedev avoided the mind games that come with a one-way rout as the former champion crushed Jensen Brooksby 6-2, 6-1 on Thursday to reach his third semi-final at the ATP event in Dubai.

Medvedev, a former No. 1 who admits he can often over-think on court, stripped down the match to its essentials to book the 53rd hardcourt semi of his career.

His total stands second behind Novak Djokovic- eight years his senior – with 153.

“I’ve had moments in my career where I’ve been better prepared,” he said after the 55-minute victory.

“I can have thoughts which I need to get rid of in order to play consistently. Sometimes I over-think – but so do 90 per cent of other players.

“I have various tactics for getting rid of (unwanted) thoughts.

“Today I was doing the right thing on every point, I felt really good.”

The third seed ranked 11th in the world, allowed his American opponent no room to breathe as he advanced at the tournament he won in 2023.

“I felt he may have had some (physical) issues,” the winner said. “But I still needed to play, to put the returns in.

“I’m happy with how I’m playing here and I’m looking forward to the semis.”