Daniil Medvedev defeats Tommy Paul after winning eight of the deciding set’s first nine points

Paul’s errors settle the opener

Daniil Medvedev advanced from the Shanghai Masters men's singles quarterfinal on October 16, winning two sets to one against Tommy Paul on Stadium Court.

Paul netted a short volley on a delayed serve-and-volley attempt, giving Medvedev two set points. A long forehand then handed Medvedev his second break and the opening set after 43 minutes.

Three breaks bring Paul level

Medvedev double-faulted long to surrender a break at the start of set two. Paul broke again for 4-1 on a missed forehand down the line, then secured his third break on another forehand miss to take the set 6-1.

Medvedev takes charge of the deciding set

After a bathroom break, Medvedev won eight of nine points for 2-0. Paul saved a seventh-game break point and held for 3-4, helped by an ace and angled backhand volley. On Medvedev’s second match point, Paul netted a drive after a 21-shot rally.

Medvedev repeatedly won attritional baseline exchanges in the physically demanding final set. Paul landed 47 percent of his first serves and made 17 unforced errors during that set.

A 70th tour-level semifinal

Medvedev finished with 31 winners, including 16 aces, and a 94-88 edge in total points. He converted four of 12 break points to reach his 70th tour-level semifinal and 19th at Masters 1000 level, matching Tomas Berdych and Lleyton Hewitt.

Across the match, Medvedev saved 11 of the 14 break points he faced. Paul saved eight of 12 break points against his serve.

The victory improved Medvedev’s head-to-head record against Paul to 5-1 and secured his third Shanghai semifinal appearance. The 2019 champion, the only former tournament winner remaining, would next face Rafael Jodar.