Sickly Michelsen hands Medvedev a 12-minute win

Daniil Medvedev needed just 12 minutes on court to reach the fourth round as opponent Alex Michelsen retired ill to hand over victory at the Indian Wells Masters on Sunday.

The fifth-seeded winner will next face another American in Tommy Paul, a 6-3, 7-5 winner over Britain’s Cam Norrie.

Medvedev was seen by the trainer for a nosebleed after breaking to start the abbreviated match. The 31st-ranked Michelsen lasted for one more game before calling time.

Medvedev said he was headed for the practice court after barely breaking sweat

“I’ll go hit some balls,” he said of his immediate plans. “This could have been an interesting match, but these things happen. I was looking forward to the match.

Medvedev has now won 12 of his last 14 matches as he rediscovers his game after a semi-final and two quarter-finals in his last three matches.

“I was feeling my shots better on the court,” he said. “I felt I was getting my rhythm back in my first match here. 

“It’s just been getting better and better, but you have to fight.”

Medvedev has a strong history at the venue, losing finals in 2023 and 2024 to Carlos Alcaraz.