Medvedev Overcomes Slow Miami Conditions, Advances to Third Round

Miami, USA – Daniil Medvedev, the world No. 10, battled through a challenging second-round match at the 2026 Miami Open, defeating Rei Sakamoto 6-7 (10), 6-3, 6-1. The victory came after Medvedev adjusted to the surprisingly slow court conditions at Hard Rock Stadium, a contrast to the faster pace he experienced at the recent BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

Adjusting to the Pace

Medvedev admitted to struggling with the rhythm in the first set, despite landing some difficult shots. “In the first set, during the rallies, I couldn’t find any rhythm,” Medvedev told Tennis Channel . “Even if I landed a couple of shots that put him in difficulty, I wasn’t able to close the point.” Whereas, he found more power in his shots as the match progressed, ultimately dominating the final two sets.

Sunshine Double Contrast

The Miami Open, along with Indian Wells, comprises the “Sunshine Double” on the tennis calendar. However, Medvedev noted the significant differences in court conditions and climate between the two tournaments. He successfully adapted to the slower courts in Miami, avoiding an early exit.

Miami: A “Win-Win” Situation

Medvedev expressed a relaxed attitude towards the Miami tournament, suggesting it presents a “win-win” scenario. “If you are in Miami and lose early, you have more time to prepare for the clay court season and can enjoy Miami,” he explained. “If you play well in the tournament, that’s great, because that’s why you’re there.”

Balancing Tennis and Life

The Russian player emphasized the importance of finding a balance between his professional and personal life. “I don’t suppose it’s possible to live life just to be a robot on and off the field,” Medvedev stated. “I’m always trying to balance life on tour and life off tour, and that’s why Miami is treating me so well.”

Sakamoto’s Performance

Despite the loss, Rei Sakamoto, ranked 164th, demonstrated impressive resilience, particularly by winning the first-set tiebreak. Sakamoto had previously upset 92nd-ranked Aleksandar Kovacevic in the first round , building on a successful late-2025 run on the lower-tier hard-court circuit.

Looking Ahead

Medvedev’s victory secures his place in the third round of the Miami Open, continuing his strong start to the 2026 season after reaching the final in Indian Wells, where he was defeated by Jannik Sinner . He will look to maintain his momentum as the tournament progresses.