Zverev takes down Medvedev to reach Cincinnati quarterfinals

Zverev, who came into the match with a 6-9 record versus Medvedev and having lost all three of their meetings this year, broke the Russian three times and saved six of eight break points to seal victory in two hours 32 minutes.

In a windy match between previous champions on Thursday, Alexander Zverev defeated third seed Daniil Medvedev 6-4 5-7 6-4 to advance to the Cincinnati Open quarterfinals.

Zverev beat Medvedev in two hours and 32 minutes despite having a 6-9 record against the Russian and losing all three of their previous encounters this year. He broke him three times and had six of eight break points.

The 16th seed from Germany, Zverev, described his opponent as "very difficult" in his on-court interview. He is a person who offers nothing at all. You have to win the game yourself, and I did that today, so I'm happy with that.

Medvedev double-faulted to hand an early 4-3 lead to Zverev and had a glorious chance to get the match back on serve in the next game when he led 40-0 but came up short as the German 16th seed held before taking the opening set.

There was little to separate the players in the third set, which was deadlocked at 4-4 when Zverev set up a break point opportunity with a supreme dipping crosscourt forehand winner that Medvedev followed up with a double fault.

Zverev seized his opportunity and sealed the high-quality encounter on his first match point when Medvedev sent a service return long.