Gutsy Medvedev overcomes injury and Zverev to reach Indian Wells quarters

(Reuters) - Daniil Medvedev shook off a mid-match ankle injury to reach the Indian Wells quarter-finals with a gutsy 6-7(5) 7-6(5) 7-5 victory over Germany’s Alexander Zverev yesterday, extending his winning streak to 17 matches.

It was an impressive effort from the fifthseeded Russian whose tournament appeared over when he crashed to the court in the second set with what initially appeared to be a serious ankle injury.

While Medvedev was able to continue and advance to the Indian Wells last eight for the first time, he said that he now expected to feel considerable pain and would likely have a scan on the ankle to assess the damage.

“Now when the adrenaline goes down the body cools down it is going to be pretty painful and I am going to probably do a scan to see what it is and if I can continue to play,” said Medvedev, winner of three straight tournaments in Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai.

Down a set and on serve at 3-2 in the second, Medvedev turned over his ankle attempting to make a return and winced in pain as the trainers, Zverev and the tournament supervisor all rushed to his side as he clutched his right leg.

Once back in his chair, Medvedev had the ankle heavily taped and then returned to the court hobbling but determinedly forcing the second set to another tiebreak.

This time the 27-year-old Russian prevailed 7-5 to send the contest to a third set.

“When I twisted it I thought I am going to stand up just fine and then the pain started growing very fast and I thought, ‘oh that’s not a good sign,” said Medvedev.