Medvedev Advances to U.S. Open Fourth Round

Daniil Medvedev, the fifth seed and 2021 U.S. Open champion, defeated Italy's Flavio Cobolli 6-3 6-4 6-3 to reach the fourth round. Despite challenging conditions and Cobolli's strong defense, Medvedev avoided an upset and will face Nuno Borges next.

Daniil Medvedev, the fifth seed and 2021 U.S. Open champion, sailed past Italy's Flavio Cobolli with a 6-3 6-4 6-3 victory on a humid Saturday night, securing his place in the fourth round. Medvedev, the only former New York champion remaining in the men's draw after the early exits of Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, expressed his relief at dodging a potential upset.

"I said it before the match that to me upsets don't really matter. The conditions are a bit tricky," Medvedev stated. "The favourites maybe have less margin against the other guys. Just have to be more cautious. If I play good tennis I can win the whole thing. If I don't play good I can lose against anyone. I just have to play my best and try to win."

Cobolli challenged Medvedev with long, grueling rallies, but the Russian's moniker "Octopus" seemed fitting as he effortlessly reached every ball. After winning the first set with two breaks, Medvedev narrowly claimed the second set and maintained composure in a break-laden third set to clinch the match. He now prepares to face Portugal's Nuno Borges.

(With inputs from agencies.)