Medvedev, Berrettini suffer shock ATP Cup defeats
SYDNEY: Daniil Medvedev and Matteo Berrettini both slumped to shock defeats in their opening matches of the season at the ATP Cup yesterday, but there were no mistakes from Alexander Zverev.
US Open champion Medvedev is leading a Russian team in Sydney depleted by injuries and Covid-19 as they look to defend the teams title won against Italy last year.
But the world No.2, who captured four tour-level crowns in 2021, was stunned by Frenchman Ugo Humbert despite leading by a set and 3-0.
The Frenchman rallied to pull off a big upset 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 7-6 (7/2) in two hours and 55 minutes as Medvedev, red-faced from the heat, ran out of steam.
With fifth-ranked Andrey Rublev missing after contracting coronavirus at an Abu Dhabi exhibition last month, unheralded Roman Safiullin was drafted in as Russia’s second singles player.
He saved 15 of 19 break points to earn a 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 win over France’s Arthur Rinderknech to set the stage for Medvedev.
The tie went to a deciding doubles rubber with Medvedev backing up with Safiullin to win and seal the points.
Russia are in a tough group that also includes hosts Australia and 2021 runner-up Italy, led by world No.7 Berrettini, who was also beaten, crashing to 34th-ranked Alex de Minaur 6-3, 7-6 (7/4).
Earlier, Italian No.2 Jannik Sinner crushed Australia’s Max Purcell 6-1, 6-3.
In the other night match, Zverev’s Germany were up against a British team led by Cameron Norrie, who had a breakout 2021 season that saw him storm through the rankings to end at 12.
But he was no match for the world No.3, who shook off first set rust to overwhelm the Briton 7-6 (7/2), 6-1.
Britain’s Dan Evans won the opening singles match against Germany’s JanLennard Struff 6-1, 6-2.