Daniil Medvedev puts heat on Novak Djokovic in dominant display

Daniil Medvedev is charging towards Novak Djokovic's World No.1 status after a dominant second-round win over Pablo Andujar at the Mexican Open.

The Russian's ruthless 6-1 6-2 victory means he is now just three wins away from claiming the ATP Tour's No.1 ranking from the Serb.

WOW: Rafa Nadal's heartbreaking admission in post-match interview

WOW: Alexander Zverev speaks out after 'appalling' umpire incident

The Australian Open runner-up Medvedev edged closer in Acapulco after disposing of Andujar in just over one hour.

The 26-year-old Medvedev, who can replace Djokovic atop the rankings if he wins the title in Acapulco, will play either Taylor Fritz or Yoshihito Nishioka in the quarter-finals.

"I'm lucky two days in a row not to play at midnight like some other guys," the World No. 2 said post-match.

"It's pretty tough conditions, quite humid. Even if we play at night it's quite hot... The faster the matches, the better you're going to feel for the next one."

Medvedev was able to save the one break point he faced in the match courtesy of a trademark big serve.

Despite the lop-sided scoreline though, Medvedev admits he had to dig deep with Andujar committing just nine unforced errors in the match.

"Pablo is a very tough opponent, so I knew that from the first point to the last point I would have to fight, to play my best tennis," Medvedev added.

"I'm happy I was able to [execute] my plan. It was enough today to win and I'm really happy about it."

Daniil Medvedev edging closer to No.1 dream

Djokovic holds the all-time record after spending more than 360 weeks as men's World No.1 but the fact he was unable to play the Australian Open after a much publicised vaccination saga, has opened the door for Medvedev.

The Russian admitted in Mexico that his dream of one day becoming the best player in the world is finally within reach.

“When you’re young you feel like it’s impossible, so that’s why you dream about it,” he said of his hopes to one day stand atop the ATP rankings. “When it becomes closer to you, you dream less about it and do more to achieve it.”

Medvedev's quest to claim the No.1 ranking has been boosted by the disqualification of World No.3 Alexander Zverev, with the German suspended from the Mexican Open for abusing a chair umpire.

“It’s not even a dream anymore, it’s a goal to play well these next three matches," Medvedev said.

Medvedev beat Djokovic in the US Open final last September to win first major title and, at his next grand slam, reached the final at the Australian Open last month before losing to Nadal, who is also through to the next round in Acapulco after a 6-0 6-3 win over Stefan Koszlov.

Djokovic meantime, appears to have returned to tennis like a man on a mission after seeing off both Lorenzo Musetti and a spirited challenge from Karen Khachanov to reach the quarter-finals of the Dubai International.

with agencies

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.