Monte Carlo Masters: Daniil Medvedev downs Lorenzo Sonego to set up last-16 clash with Alexander Zverev

Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev beat Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets to qualify for the last-16 stage of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Medvedev beat Sonego 6-3, 6-2 to set up a quarter-final clash against Alexander Zverev. Medvedev took an early lead in the contest against the Italian and was relentless throughout the rest of the match. Speaking after the match, Medvedev said he always struggles on clay, while adding that he was happy to beat a strong opponent.

“Every match is a struggle [on clay], but I have had some good matches on clay. I managed to play well against a very strong player on clay. Lorenzo is very strong. Here in Monte-Carlo there are a lot of Italians in the crowd, but a lot of French also, so it was fun to play, and I am happy to beat such a tough opponent,” said Medvedev.

Meanwhile, 13th seed Zverev took down Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 6-4 in the round of 32. The German will now face Medvedev in the quarter-finals.

Speaking about his upcoming clash with Zverev, Medvedev said his opponent looks in great shape so he will have to be at his best, while adding that they’ve had some tough matches in the past.

“We’ve had some tough matches. We played for the first time maybe seven years ago on the ATP Tour, and in juniors maybe 12 years ago. I remember I beat him once in a final on clay in juniors, but it’s going to be a different story. I saw him in the first two matches, he seemed to be in good shape. I’m just going to have to be at my best,” Medvedev added.

This will be the 14th tour-level contest between Medvedev and Zverev, but their first on clay. Zverev leads the head-to-head result 7-6.