Rune Overwhelms Medvedev, Takes Bag Of Tricks To Tennis Paradise Final

Rune moved into the final in Indian Wells after beating reigning two-time finalist Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-4, once again flashing his vast array of shots.

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Entering the semifinal, Medvedev said having too many options could sometimes hinder Rune’s shot selection. But overall, the World No. 13 got the formula right to end a two-match losing streak against Medvedev — and seven match skid in semifinals.

“Playing Daniil for me is one of the toughest challenges on tour,” Rune said afterwards in a TV interview. “We know each other very well, practice a lot, so it was super difficult. I had the right tactic but still it made it so difficult to play him because he’s putting in a great effort, great shots and is super solid. I’m very proud of myself.”

Rune offered up numerous backhand slices on a warm, sunny afternoon at Stadium 1 to change the tempo against the World No. 6, who can rally for days and days.“I think it’s a very specific tactical plan I made with my coach yesterday evening and this morning,” said Rune. “It was about finding the right pace and finding which shots to hit because I feel like so many players, they miss too many shots against Daniil because you want to hit balls stronger. He makes you go for more.”

The match went off without a hitch, 12 months after tension arose in last year’s quarterfinal in the desert when Medvedev didn’t appreciate Rune targeting him when the Grand Slam winner was stranded at the net. Medvedev won that day by the same score, 7-5 6-4. In the middle of the first set Saturday, Rune had the opportunity to do the same thing but this time went down the line.

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