Daniil Medvedev beats Lorenzo Sonego in Monte Carlo to set up a first clay court meet with Alexander Zverev

Daniil Medvedev continued his impressive recent form with a straight-sets win over Lorenzo Sonego to reach the last 16 of the Monte Carlo Masters. The former world No. 1 came through 6-3 6-2 on Court Rainier III to set up a meeting with Alexander Zverev.

Ad Medvedev arrived in Monte Carlo having won 24 of his last 25 matches, picking up titles in Rotterdam, Doha, Dubai and Miami in recent months. TennisATP clay power rankings: Djokovic, Alcaraz lead the way, but where's Nadal?10/04/2023 AT 08:35 His only defeat during that epic run came at the hands of Carlos Alcaraz in the final of Indian Wells. Sonego set up his clash with Medvedev by coming from a set down to get past the challenge of Ugo Humbert in his tournament opener.

After holding serve with ease in the opening game of the match, third seed Medvedev produced a masterful lob and an exquisite volley on his way to breaking Sonego’s first service game. Sonego looked nervous with several missed opportunities early on with misplaced volleys at the net, but his confidence grew as he found a series of winners to provide a much sterner test for Medvedev towards the back end of the first set. However, Medvedev largely continued to control proceedings and, although his opponent was able to hold several service games much to the delight of the crowd, he converted his third set point to take a deserved lead.

Having found some joy towards the end of the first set, Sonego re-emerged with a spring in his step but, despite holding his first service game and executing some excellent winners, he was soon a break down with Medvedev once again flexing his muscle to move a step closer to the next round. A business-like performance from the world No. 5 saw him manage the match to