Daniil Medvedev played well in Indian Wells, reaching his first Masters 1000 semi-final in a year. However, the Russian could not mirror that run in Miami, suffering a heavy 6-2, 6-3 defeat to Jaume Munar in an hour and 18 minutes!
The former champion struggled at the Hard Rock Stadium. He opened up after the match and revealed physical issues that prevented him from competing at 100%. Daniil did not feel well after Indian Wells. He gave everything to recover and play well in Miami.
Medvedev liked his level in a practice set a day before the match, although he could not bring that level and challenge Munar.
The 2023 champion could not find the rhythm on serve or return. He threw his usual tantrums and blasted the balls, calling them unplayable. In the end, he collected only five games and experienced his fourth loss of the season against rivals from outside the top-50!
We should not take anything away from Munar, who has raised his level on hard courts this season. The Spaniard defended both break points and kept the pressure on the top-10 opponent. Jaume stepped in on the return and took 45% of the points.
The lower-ranked player created 11 break chances and seizes three, controlling the scoreboard and moving over the top. The Spaniard hit 17 winners and 14 unforced errors. He welcomed 32 mistakes from Medvedev, who could not find the range from his backhand.
Munar built a massive 40-23 advantage from the baseline, earning his win in that segment. Daniil saved two break points in the second game of the encounter. However, he struggled again at 2-3 and played a wayward backhandto drop serve and fall behind.
Jaume landed a service winner in game seven and held at love. He made another push on the return at 5-2 and generated three set points with a backhand down the line winner. The Spaniard seized the third after the Russian's forehand error for 6-2 in 34 minutes.
Munar attacked in the fourth game of the second set and caused the rival's mistake for a set and a break advantage. Daniil received a code violation warning and a point penalty in the fifth game. Jaume held at love and moved 5-1 up.
The Russian saved two break points in the sixth game and faced a match point at 2-5. He saved it and landed a volley winner to close the game and extend the battle. Munar served for the win at 5-3 and faced the only break points after Medvedev's volley winner.
The Spaniard denied the first with a serve & volley and denied the second with a powerful serve. Jaume created a match point after Daniil's wayward drop shot and seized it when his rival sent a volley long, celebrating a notable win and moving through.
"I was not at 100% physically. However, I tried my best to get into the match and fight. I had some problems after Indian Wells but felt better daily. I would not play if I knew I was not ready to win. I trained and almost won a practice set against a strong rival yesterday.
I tried my best but could not perform at a high level. Jaume played a very good match and beat me convincingly," Daniil Medvedev said.
