Medvedev, ranked world No. 10 and fresh off early-season triumphs, looked out of sorts. He failed to convert any service games and racked up 27 unforced errors, marking a historic low—his first tour-level loss without a single game won. Berrettini, meanwhile, has now won his first two matches here without conceding a game, following a first-round walkover at 4-0 against an injured Roberto Bautista Agut.

The 29-year-old’s triumph is his first over a top-10 opponent since last year’s win over Zverev at this very event. This career-first 6-0, 6-0 scoreline underscores Berrettini’s resurgence. ‘It felt like one of my finest hours on court. Facing Daniil, missing just three shots is incredible,’ Berrettini shared afterward, recounting early break-point saves and sustained pressure.

For Medvedev, this clay debut post-titles was a rude awakening. Berrettini now leads their rivalry 1-3 head-to-head. The third round pits him against Fonseca or Rinderknech, where his clay form could propel him further. As the tournament heats up on the red dirt, Berrettini’s statement has shifted the narrative around his potential this season.