Daniil Medvedev defeated Jack Draper 7-5, 6-4, but he had to fight hard to win his 100th Masters Series match. This was a respectable start to his title defence in Rome.
Following the match, Medvedev expressed his frustration with the poor court speed, claiming it was far slower than the surface in Madrid the previous time around and the circumstances that existed during his title run.
With Draper’s strong groundstrokes pushing him back, Medvedev had to wait patiently. The slow surface of the match made the Russian feel like he had to work hard to get anything going.
Slower surfaces annoy Medvedev, who frequently expresses his dissatisfaction to everyone, regardless of the outcome of a match.
Medvedev expressed his thoughts about it after the match and said: “It was not easy. I feel like the conditions are completely different from last year and also from Monte-Carlo and Madrid. It’s slow and heavy here so I feel like, honestly, it’s tough to make a winner and that’s what I saw in all the other matches. You need to work the opponent left-right-left-right and you get tired and your opponent gets tired. I knew that before the match so I’m happy that I managed to stay stronger.”
Medvedev was pleased with his level of play, despite his complaints about the sluggish court. He added: “It was good that I managed to get in front. Even if he started to play better, it was enough to have a margin. I’m pretty happy with my level and looking forward. I did a good job with my team to be ready. I knew already two or three days ago that I’m feeling better and better.”
Medvedev in Rome, ranking, and results in 2024
At the moment ranked no.4, the Russian owns a 23-6 match record in 2024. Daniil is now competing in Rome where he overcame the world no.40 Jack Draper 7-5 6-4.
Daniil Medvedev will square off with the world no.121 Hamad Medjedovic in the 3rd round. In the past, they have never played each other so far in top events.
Daniil reached the final at the Australian Open and in Indian Wells (BNP Paribas Open).
The Russian won 20 titles in his career: 10 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts, 8 on indoor courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Medvedev will play next at the French Open (French Open). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 26th of May.
Daniil Medvedev |
| Embed from Getty Images |
