Daniil Medvedev Keeps Marching On, Awaits Stan Wawrinka in the Round of 16

Daniil Medvedev has now won 9 of his last 10 Grand Slam matches.

Against Alexei Popyrin, a 20-year-old Aussie that had lighted the Australian Open crowd up in a five-set R3 loss to Lucas Pouille last year, Medvedev knew he had to start strong. The Russian did just that, breaking his opponent immediately and holding his serve to claim a 6-4 first set.

Popyrin never really went away — he had the whole stadium on their feet after a great rally in the third set, see below — but it got easier for Medvedev after that opening set.

Don't rule him out just yet 💥@AlexeiPopyrin99 with this inspired forehand winner in behind Daniil Medvedev.@Channel9 | @espn #AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/sAZiHhVwLH

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2020

The 2019 US Open runner-up tired Popyrin out with his brick-wall defence, manoeuvring him around the court in transition and relentlessly taking advantage of Popyrin’s short balls to finish at the net.

The matter was settled after 1 hour and 47 minutes (6-4, 6-3, 6-2) without it being ever in doubt.

The Russian delivers 🇷🇺

Fourth seed @DaniilMedwed def. Alexei Popyrin 6-4 6-3 6-2 to advance to the round of 16 at the #AusOpen for the second time.

Next up: Former champion Stan Wawrinka 🍿#AO2020 pic.twitter.com/xfARzJY3bs

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2020

In the Round of 16, Medvedev will face Stan Wawrinka, against whom he holds a 2-0 winning record with both matches having been played at Grand Slam level:

2017 Wimbledon: Medvedev d. Wawrinka 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1

2019 US Open: Medvedev d. Wawrinka 7-6(6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1

Will Medvedev make it 3 in three different majors? Historically, Wawrinka loves playing in Melbourne perhaps more than anywhere else…