Defending champion Daniil Medvedev began the day with a 3-set 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win over countryman Karen Khachanov. Medvedev lost just six points on first serve in the first and third sets, and broke for 2-0 in both.

Stefanos Tsitsipas set up the showdown with his rival Medvedev by easing past Croatia’s Borna Gojo 7-6(7-4), 7-5.

“It feels great,” Tsitsipas said to the ATP. “I kept fighting and didn’t lose faith. In the tie-break, what a great way to end it by fighting and giving so much on the court. I felt it was a matter of keeping the ball deep and attacking when the ball was short.”

Medvedev leads 8-4 over Tsitsipas winning most recently in the semifinals at 2023 Rome Masters.

Andrey Rublev edged 2022 champion Alexander Zverev 6-1, 6-7(5-7), 6-3. Zverev was 0-for-6 on break chances in the third set after winning the second.

“It was a super tough match,” Rublev told the ATP. “I am lucky I played great points in the first set and to get an early break. That gave me a lot of confidence, because when you are one set up it is easier to play. Then in the second set he was serving much better. I had one chance to break him and I was unlucky. Then classic tie-break and he played well.

“In the third set I was able to start well and get an early break. Then a couple of break points and the last game was dramatic but I think I played well. Aggressive on those points and finishing at the net.”

Jannik Sinner cruised by Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 6-4. Sinner never lost serve and broke twice in the match to improve to 3-1 against the American.

Sinner has had the better of Rublev 3-2 in their tour-level meetings including a win in Miami six months ago.