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Paris Masters 2020: Daniil Medvedev vs Kevin Anderson preview, head-to-head & prediction

Daniil Medvedev 
Daniil Medvedev 

Match details

Fixture: Daniil Medvedev vs Kevin Anderson

Date: 4 November 2020

Tournament: Rolex Paris Masters 2020

Round: Second round (Round of 32) 

Venue: Paris, France

Category: ATP Masters 1000

Surface: Indoor hardcourt

Prize money: €3,901,015

Match timing: 11 am local time, 3.30 pm IST

Live telecast: USA - ESPN / Tennis Channel | India - Sony Six / Sony Liv

Daniil Medvedev vs Kevin Anderson preview

Third seed Daniil Medvedev will take on Kevin Anderson for the second time within a week, this time in the second round of the 2020 Rolex Paris Masters on Wednesday. Medvedev had lost to Anderson in the Vienna quarterfinals just last week.

The Russian received a bye at the Paris Masters by virtue of his seeding, so this will be his first match since the loss to Anderson at Vienna. It remains to be seen if he has made any tactical changes from that match, given how he seemed to have no answer to the South African's serve.

Medvedev has had a sharp decline in form since the US Open, where he reached the semifinals. He lost in the opening round at Hamburg and Roland Garros, and at St. Petersburg he made the second round before losing to another big-server in Reilly Opelka.

At the Erste Bank Open it seemed that Medvedev had finally gotten back some semblance of form, as he defeated Jason Jung and the dangerous Vasek Pospisil in his first two matches. However, his weaknesses were once again exposed at the last eight stage, by the experienced Anderson.

Kevin Anderson
Kevin Anderson

The tall South African on his part faced Laslo Djere in his opening round clash at Paris. He led 5-2 with a double-break, before the Serb was forced to retire due to injury.

That would afford Anderson some much-needed rest after his deep run at Vienna. The former Wimbledon runner-up made the semis there before losing to eventual champion Andrey Rublev.

Daniil Medvedev vs Kevin Anderson head-to-head

The head-to-head between Daniil Medvedev and Kevin Anderson currently stands at 1-0 in favor of the South African.

The two played each other last Friday and Anderson won in straight sets, with a scoreline of 6-4, 7-6 (5).

Daniil Medvedev vs Kevin Anderson prediction

Daniil Medvedev serving to Kevin Anderson in Vienna.
Daniil Medvedev serving to Kevin Anderson in Vienna.

When the two players faced each other in Vienna, Daniil Medvedev could create just a single break-point opportunity throughout the match. The sheer pace of Anderson’s serve made it very difficult for the Russian to get enough returns back in play.

Medvedev has a good serve of his own, but unless he finds an answer to Anderson’s missile-like delivery, he will continue to struggle. The Protean will be more comfortable in tie-breaks as well, courtesy of his big first serve.

The key for the third seed will be to give himself a bit more time on the return by taking a step or two backward. At the same time, Medvedev must also be wary of Anderson’s ability to close out points at the net.

Prediction: Kevin Anderson to win in three sets.

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