Medvedev stays on course to retain Miami Open title

DEFENDING champion Daniil Medvedev saw off a late challenge from Nicolas Jarry to book a Miami Open semi-final rematch with Jannik Sinner.

Medvedev, pictured, beat Sinner in last year’s Miami final, but the Italian came from two sets down to claim the Australia Open title in January.

World number four Medvedev cruised through the first set against Jarry 6-2 but had to battle his way through a tie-break win in the second set as the Chilean fought his way back into the match.

“The first set I thought I was playing a good level, not doing anything extra, just enough to win,” Medvedev said.

“Then he started to play much better and it was tough rallies, tough points. He served better and it was just a matter of a few points in the tie-break.”

Sinner reached his fourth semifinal of the year as he eased past Tomas Machac 6-4, 6-2 in 91 minutes.

“Physically I feel good. I’m just happy to compete,” said Sinner.

“We practise very hard to be in these positions and I’m really happy I can play again in the semis here at such a special tournament.

“It’s special for me, I made my first Masters 1000 final here, so I’m really happy to be back in the semis.”

Ekaterina Alexandrova followed up her victory over world number one Iga Swiatek with another upset to reach the last four of the Miami Open.

The 14th seed beat fifth seed Jessica Pegula 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 to book a last-four meeting with another American, the unseeded Danielle Collins. The win, which took just under two hours, ensured the 29-year-old’s second WTA 1000 event semi-final appearance.

Collins reached the last four in Miami for the second time with a 6-3 6-2 win over 23rd seed Caroline Garcia. Six years after becoming the first qualifier to reach the semifinals, the 31-year-old former Australian Open finalist did not face a break point as she earned a third win over a seed in five matches.