Daniil Medvedev survived a marathon opening-set tiebreak before dispatching qualifier Rei Sakamoto 6-7(10), 6-3, 6-1 in the Round of 64 at Miami on March 21. Despite losing the first set 12-10 in the breaker, the Russian dominated the final two sets, winning 105 total points to Sakamoto’s 82 as he improved to 8-2 in his last 10 matches.
The momentum swing came immediately after the heartbreaking first-set loss. Medvedev’s first serve, firing at 82% effectiveness when it landed, became the decisive weapon. He broke Sakamoto’s resistance in the second set, then steamrolled through the third as the Japanese player’s unforced error count ballooned to 40—nine more than Medvedev’s 31. The Russian’s nine aces outpaced Sakamoto’s six, and his superior court positioning allowed him to control rallies even when Sakamoto briefly matched him in winner production (26 to 24).
Medvedev closed out the match with clinical efficiency in the third set, conceding just one game. The 2023 Miami champion advances to the Round of 32, shaking off the disappointment of losing the Indian Wells final to Jannik Sinner just days earlier.
Key Takeaways
- Medvedev won 82% of first serve points compared to Sakamoto’s 67%, a decisive 15-percentage-point edge that proved insurmountable once the Russian settled after the opening set.
- Despite Sakamoto actually hitting more winners (26 to 24), his 40 unforced errors—nine more than Medvedev’s 31—undermined his aggressive approach and handed Medvedev control of the match.
- The 23-point margin in total points won (105 to 82) underscores how thoroughly Medvedev dominated after the tiebreak loss, outscoring Sakamoto 75-52 across the final two sets.
- Remarkably, neither player faced a break point in the entire match, making Medvedev’s 69% first serve percentage and elite 82% points won on first serve the primary differentiators in a contest decided by serving efficiency.
Player Analysis
Daniil Medvedev
Medvedev’s response to adversity defined this performance. After squandering a first-set tiebreak—saving two set points before losing 12-10—he could have spiraled, especially coming off the Indian Wells final disappointment to Sinner. Instead, he elevated his first serve percentage to 69%, just shy of his 70% hard court average, and converted an absurd 82% of those deliveries into points won. His nine aces matched his season average of 9.8, and he kept double faults to four, well below his 5.6 average. The 31 unforced errors actually mirrored his typical 31.7 per match, but against a qualifier, that margin for error was acceptable.
What stands out is the mental fortitude. Medvedev has now won eight of his last ten matches, and his ability to shift gears after the tiebreak loss suggests a player fully dialed in for another deep Miami run. The 2023 champion appears ready to replicate the form that carried him to last year’s semifinal and his title two years prior.
Rei Sakamoto
Sakamoto pushed Medvedev to the brink in the opening set, saving set points and ultimately converting his own chances in a thrilling 12-10 tiebreak. His 26 winners actually edged Medvedev’s 24, showcasing aggressive intent and a willingness to dictate play. However, the 40 unforced errors told the story of a player unable to sustain that level against elite opposition. His 56% first serve percentage left him vulnerable on serve, and once Medvedev locked in after the first set, Sakamoto’s margin for error evaporated.
The second serve became a particular liability—winning just 51% of those points gave Medvedev repeated opportunities to attack. Still, taking a set off a top-tier opponent at a Masters 1000 event represents a credible showing for a player chasing his first career title. The experience of trading blows with a former world number one should serve him well.
Match Statistics
| Daniil Medvedev | Stat | Rei Sakamoto |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Aces | 6 |
| 4 | Double Faults | 2 |
| 69% | 1st Serve % | 56% |
| 82% | 1st Serve Points Won | 67% |
| 52% | 2nd Serve Points Won | 51% |
| 24 | Winners | 26 |
| 31 | Unforced Errors | 40 |
| 105 | Total Points Won | 82 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Daniil Medvedev vs Rei Sakamoto at Miami 2026?
Daniil Medvedev defeated Rei Sakamoto 6-7(10), 6-3, 6-1 in the Round of 64 at the Miami Masters on March 21, 2026.
How many aces did Medvedev hit against Sakamoto in Miami?
Medvedev hit 9 aces compared to Sakamoto’s 6, helping him win 82% of his first serve points in the victory.
Did Medvedev win the first set against Sakamoto?
No, Medvedev lost the first set 7-6(10), dropping a 12-10 tiebreak before rallying to win the next two sets 6-3, 6-1.
Who won the Miami Round of 64 match between Medvedev and Sakamoto?
Daniil Medvedev won the match 6-7(10), 6-3, 6-1 to advance to the Round of 32.
What’s Next
Medvedev advances to the Round of 32, where he will look to continue the momentum that has seen him reach finals at Dubai and Indian Wells in recent weeks. The Russian will aim to replicate his 2023 Miami title run and last year’s semifinal appearance as he pursues his 24th career title.
