Medvedev Thrilled to Secure Shanghai Masters Semi-Final Spot

Daniil Medvedev defeated Alex de Minaur, the world number seven, with a score of 6-4, 6-4 on Friday. This victory secured Medvedev’s place in the Shanghai Masters semi-finals, where he is set to compete against Arthur Rinderknech, an unseeded player from France.

Rinderknech continued his impressive run by defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada, with a score of 6-3, 6-4. He joins his cousin Valentin Vacherot and Novak Djokovic, a four-time Shanghai champion, in the semi-finals.

Medvedev, a former world number one who is now ranked 18th, expressed his satisfaction, stating he was “super happy to beat such a tough player like Alex”.

“It´s been a tough year for me so to make the semis here is great,” the Russian commented following his victory.

Medvedev achieved a break in the fifth game and maintained his lead, overcoming a shaky moment in the tenth game where he had to defend against a breakpoint and made three double-faults.

De Minaur displayed moments of skill, but the Australian appeared somewhat subdued and was unable to take advantage of the opportunities he had.

Medvedev secured the second set due to a series of errors in the ninth game. He concluded the match with an ace, without any further complications.

Rinderknech, who held a rank of 54th at the start of the competition, has enjoyed a successful streak in Shanghai, which includes a win against Alexander Zverev, the world number three.

The success of the 30-year-old is mirrored by his cousin, Vacherot from Monaco, who secured his spot in the semi-finals on Thursday by defeating Holger Rune of Denmark.

Rinderknech comfortably defeated Auger-Aliassime, ranked 13th, securing a break in the sixth game with a precise down-the-line shot.

He began the second set assertively, achieving a break in the first game with a forehand, which prevented the Canadian player from establishing momentum.

“Sometimes you like to win ugly, and today I thought it was a pretty good-looking win,” he joked after the match.

Rinderknech mentioned that progressing through his quarter-final match was less nerve-wracking compared to watching Vacherot’s match the previous day.

“I´m not used to watching someone and really wanting him to win so badly,” he admitted.

“It was a lot easier for me to be on court today and just control my emotions and do my own thing, that I know how to do.”

He noted that his family’s WhatsApp group was very active. “Everybody is just living the little dream we are in, Val and I, so it´s really enjoyable.”