Medvedev Battles Cramp to Secure Victory Over Khachanov at Monte Carlo Masters

MONTE CARLO, Monaco — Daniil Medvedev endured a physically taxing first-round match at the Monte Carlo Masters, overcoming cramps to defeat Karen Khachanov 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 on Tuesday.

The match lasted two hours and 52 minutes and was marked by intense rallies and 17 breaks of serve. Medvedev, the ninth seed, struggled towards the end but managed to secure a crucial break at 5-4 in the final set.

“It’s the first match on clay — it’s not my favorite surface,” Medvedev said post-match. “I’m happy with my level in general and looking forward.”

Despite experiencing significant pain, Medvedev maintained control throughout the contest, saving eight of his own break points compared to Khachanov’s 11. After the match, Medvedev limped to the net to shake hands with Khachanov before immediately requesting physiotherapy for his legs.

Medvedev dominated much of the first set, even leading 5-1 before Khachanov rallied to narrow the gap. Ultimately, Medvedev took the first set 7-5. Khachanov charged back in the second set, claiming a decisive 6-4 victory to send the match to a final set.

With 36 combined break points, both players showcased their resilience. Medvedev, who has fallen from the ATP top 10 due to a challenging season, has not won a title since the 2023 Rome Masters.

Looking to the next round, Medvedev will face France’s Alexandre Muller, which is a potential step forward in his quest for a return to form. The tournament features 17 of the top 20 men’s singles players, including Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, setting the stage for thrilling clay-court action.

The physically demanding nature of the match and Medvedev’s subsequent post-match cramps highlighted both the mental and physical toll of elite tennis competition. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Medvedev to see if he can rise to the occasion and reclaim his place among the sport’s best.