Along with his 18th straight victory, Daniil Medvedev entered his first BNP Paribas Open quarterfinal with one health concern and left the match with another. Medvedev was unable to walk that evening after twisting his right ankle in a performance that was a contender for match of the season against Alexander Zverev on Tuesday.
Yet he shocked himself by playing brilliantly against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina the following day, winning 6-3, 7-5. The fifth seed then added another worry to his list when, late in the second set, on a break point at 3-3, he fell again and cut open his right thumb.
The unfortunate fall might have changed the course of the game when Medvedev dropped six straight points after missing his break opportunity. He attempted to continue playing but soon realised it wasn't an option and had to tape his thumb. While he downplayed any worries at his news conference, he recognised that he might have to deal with the issue once more when he faces Frances Tiafoe on Saturday.