Dubai, ATP 500

[stroke]

An absolute masterclass one more ball back defensive tennis from Wall of Med over GMP in 2 sets, one break of serve each set. GMP had the 2 biggest shots on the court in his serve and forehand, but Med's defense was relentless. Cilic into the quarters. He beat demon in 1st round.

[jimlosaltos]

An absolute masterclass one more ball back defensive tennis from Wall of Med over GMP in 2 sets, one break of serve each set. GMP had the 2 biggest shots on the court in his serve and forehand, but Med's defense was relentless. Cilic into the quarters. He beat demon in 1st round.

It was an amazing match. While "The Octopus" played great defense, he was anything but defensive. Medvedev was flat out blasting forehands. Gio is a good net player, but Medvedev earned a flock of forced errors on clunked volleys with the sheer velocity of his returns and forehands.

Good if too short highlight video at this link, YT 3:38 min. Anyone who hasn't seen Gio, should check it out. He is no "serve bot", can S&V skillfully, backhand looks award at first until one accepts that he is so powerful he can use a copy of Fed's block backhand -- but from anywhere. Short take back and crunch it.