Miami Open 2021: Daniil Medvedev vs Roberto Bautista Agut preview, head-to-head & prediction
Match details
Fixture: Daniil Medvedev vs Roberto Bautista Agut
Date: 31 March 2021
Tournament: Miami Open 2021
Round: Quarterfinals
Venue: Miami, Florida
Category: ATP Masters 1000
Surface: Outdoor
Prize money: $3,340,000
Match timing: Not before 8.30 pm local time, 6 am IST
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Europsort
Daniil Medvedev vs Roberto Bautista Agut preview
Daniil Medvedev registered a resounding straight-sets win over America's Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round of the 2021 Miami Open on Tuesday.
The Russian, who had to dig deep in his third-round match against Alexei Popyrin, seems to have rediscovered his best form. He will now take on Roberto Bautista Agut for a place in the semifinals.
Bautista Agut on his part had a bit of a mixed start to the 2021 season. But he looks to have finally found his form after his run to the final in Qatar.
The Spaniard was given a walkover in his Miami opener, but has had to fight hard in his two matches since. He did extremely well to hold his nerve in his round of 16 clash against John Isner to secure his spot in the last eight.
Bautista Agut has a solid game that can trouble the best, but he will be under constant pressure from Medvedev's return.
Daniil Medvedev vs Roberto Bautista Agut head-to-head
Roberto Bautista Agut leads Daniil Medvedev 2-0 in head-to-head matchups. Their latest encounter came on the hardcourts of Cincinnati in 2020, where the Spaniard prevailed in three sets.
Daniil Medvedev vs Roberto Bautista Agut prediction
Daniil Medvedev has been in fine form all season, and will enter this contest as a favorite despite his losing head-to-head record against Roberto Bautista Agut.
Medvedev has had the occasional meltdown this season, but has managed to bounce back just as quickly. His match against Popyrin, where he battled severe cramps in the third set, seems to have freed him up; the 25-year-old was able to put up a much stronger showing in the next round.
Holding serve will be key for Medvedev, given the quality of his opponent's return. He will also have to be prepared for some long and grueling baseline rallies in the Miami heat.
Bautista Agut has the ability to put pressure on his opponent from the back of the court. But given Medvedev's current form, it will take a special effort from the Spaniard to extend his lead in the rivalry.
Prediction: Daniil Medvedev to win in two tight sets.