Shanghai: Former champion Daniil Medvedev defeated American Tommy Paul in three sets on Friday to reach the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters, strengthening his bid to qualify for the ATP Finals.
The fifth-seeded Russian recovered from a second-set setback to secure a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 victory in two hours and nine minutes. Medvedev raised his level in the deciding set, winning crucial baseline exchanges to improve his head-to-head record against Paul to 5-1.
Paul struggled with his first serve in the final set, managing only 47 per cent, while committing 17 unforced errors as Medvedev capitalised to seal the contest.
“The third set was great,” Medvedev said, adding that he had regrouped after a difficult second set and served better to close out the match.
The 30-year-old, who won the Shanghai title in 2019, is the only former champion remaining in the draw. He will face 20-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar in the semi-finals as he targets his seventh ATP Masters 1000 title and first since winning in Rome in 2023.
Medvedev praised Jodar’s powerful hitting ahead of their encounter, saying he would look to maintain his own level to secure a place in the final.
The Russian has enjoyed a strong Asian swing, winning the ATP 250 title in Hangzhou last month before reaching the semi-finals in Beijing. He has won 11 of his 12 matches since arriving in China four weeks ago.
