Perth: In-form Daniil Medvedev downplayed expectations of an Australian Open title assault after his impressive start to the season continued when he ended Casper Ruud's giant-killing spree at the ATP Cup on Tuesday. The world number five's 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) victory sealed Russia's place in the quarter-finals of the new 24-team tournament. He hit 34 winners and 13 aces after earlier victories over top-20 ranked players Fabio Fognini and John Isner. Medvedev, 23, reached his first Grand Slam final at last year's US Open, where he lost a five-set epic to world number one Rafael Nadal, and his hot form in Perth has pundits believing he can make a deep run in Melbourne. "I don't think about it (expectations)," a pragmatic Medvedev said. "I just work hard in practice and try to do my job as best as I can."

He impressively overwhelmed Ruud with sizzling passing shots and showcased his repertoire with deft drop shots. The towering Russian was particularly impressive at the net, winning 14 of 19 points. "Against Casper I knew I had to finish some points at the net," he said. "I knew I had to be aggressive and I think it helped me a lot." Group D winner Russia advanced to the knockout stages in Sydney, while Norway's surprising run, which started with a stunning upset of the United States, ended. Ruud, whose father Christian is Norway's captain and his coach, upset Fognini on Sunday after beating Isner two days earlier. The 21-year-old is a product of Rafael Nadal's tennis academy in Mallorca and has received high praise from the Spaniard, who dubbed him "amazing" on Monday.