Medvedev through at Shanghai Masters in first match since disqualification

Daniil Medvedev staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the second round of the Shanghai Masters on Saturday. This marked Medvedev's first match since being disqualified from the China Open for hitting a spectator with a ball, resulting in a default from the 500-level event and the loss of zero ranking points and prize money.

The former world number one admitted the incident was accidental. Medvedev, ranked sixth, demonstrated his resilience, overcoming an early setback to secure victory against 59th-ranked Struff. He delivered an impressive 21 aces, which proved crucial in clinching the match. Medvedev remarked on the dominant third set, particularly praising his powerful backhand volley during the sixth game that propelled him to a 4-2 lead.

He noted that the Shanghai court felt different from Beijing, requiring a bit of adjustment. In the subsequent round, Medvedev will face either Czech qualifier Dalibor Svrcina or Tomas Martin Etcheverry of Argentina. Meanwhile, second-seeded Carlos Alcaraz was set to begin his quest for the title against Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round.