Daniil Medvedev dug out a three-set win over lucky loser Martin Landaluce in the ATP Rome Masters quarterfinals, 1-6, 6-4, 7-5, on the red clay of Stadio Centrale. Seeded 7 in Rome and ranked No. 3 in the world, Medvedev flipped a fast, lopsided start into a measured comeback to reach the last four. Landaluce, a 20-year-old Spaniard, came out serving first and swinging, but couldn’t keep the same tempo once the match stretched.

A first set that surprised, then settled into Medvedev’s rhythm

Landaluce raced through the opener 6-1, taking advantage of the first-serve rhythm and early court position. The Spaniard’s start matched the script of a confident lucky loser on a good day. From there, though, Medvedev’s rally tolerance and depth began to tell as rallies lengthened and patterns slowed in set two.

The second set shifted the balance as Medvedev found cleaner holds and steadier depth. It wasn’t flashy, but it was exactly the pace change he needed on Rome’s red clay.

The decider was the longest stretch — and Medvedev owned it late

After leveling with a 6-4 second set, Medvedev closed the door 7-5 in the third. Each player had chances, but the world No. 3 kept more pressure on return games and protected his serve when it mattered. The final set also lasted the longest of the three, a good sign that Medvedev’s adjustments held up as rallies grew heavier.

No tiebreak required, no panic either. Medvedev simply raised the floor of his performance and asked Landaluce to hit through him one time too many.

Seed vs lucky loser: context that matters on a Masters 1000 court

This quarterfinal pitted the tournament’s No. 7 seed against a lucky loser ranked No. 65. Landaluce’s run to this stage and a 6-1 first set underline why his clay-court game travels. But Medvedev’s three-set response at a Masters 1000 event shows the value of experience under scoreboard pressure.

For a player often labeled a hard-court specialist, this is the type of clay win that builds trust in the game plan. It also keeps his Rome campaign alive heading into the semifinals.

Track the next step on Sofascore

Fans can follow Medvedev’s semifinal path, point-by-point scoring, and live momentum swings on Sofascore. Player profiles, head-to-head history, and match timelines are all in one place, so you don’t miss a turn in Rome.