The world No. 1 Russian reached the semi-finals of Los Cobos Mexican International on hard court, with an easy win over Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis 6-2 6-2 in the quarter-finals.

Medvedev said that the victory over Berankis looked “completely different. My opponent played very differently and more belligerently,” adding that it actually played into his hands.

“Honestly, sometimes you have nothing to do against these types of players. Just try to serve well and return the balls to the field. That’s what I was able to do, and that was enough.”

Medvedev will meet in the last four with Serb Miomir Kichmanovic, ranked 38th in the world and fourth in the tournament, who beat the sixth American Brandon Nakashima 6-2 6-4.

Medvedev is preparing to defend his title in the US Championship, the last of four Grand Slams, at Flushing Meadows, which he won last year at the expense of Serb Novak Djokovic, his rival for world number one.

“I like playing on hard courts,” Medvedev said. . But it’s something we love and look forward to.”