Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev has shed light on the peculiar pre-match rituals that players like himself adhere to, acknowledging the importance of routines in their competitive endeavors. The world No. 4, currently competing at Indian Wells, disclosed one particular ritual he staunchly adheres to before every match, showcasing the meticulous preparation that goes into his game.
Medvedev’s revelation comes as he strives to replicate his past success at Indian Wells, having reached the final of the prestigious tournament just a year ago. Reflecting on the significance of these rituals, he emphasized their role in channeling focus and intensity towards winning matches.
“I have many routines. They are very important to me. But you also have to change them from time to time. Otherwise, they won’t work anymore,” Medvedev remarked, underlining the delicate balance between consistency and adaptation in his pre-match routines.
Amongst his various rituals, Medvedev highlighted one specific habit related to his eating schedule. “I eat exactly 2 hours and 30 minutes before my matches. Always. It can’t be a second earlier or later. A tick. I don’t change these things,” he affirmed, showcasing the meticulousness with which he approaches his preparation.
The 28-year-old tennis sensation acknowledged the shared eccentricities among players, noting, “We tennis players are crazy. Everyone has routines and lives them out.” However, Medvedev sees this “craziness” as a potential advantage, recognizing the strategic value in leveraging these quirks to enhance performance on the court.
Medvedev’s successful start at Indian Wells, where he defeated Roberto Carballes Baena in straight sets, underscores the effectiveness of his pre-match rituals in contributing to his performance. Despite occasional setbacks, such as his recent loss in the Australian Open final, Medvedev remains resilient, focusing on the positives and aiming to continuously refine his approach to the game.
“In the analysis after the lost final, we noted that I probably didn’t do much wrong. It was just about a few points. I left Australia with a good feeling. It took me two days to get over it,” Medvedev reflected, highlighting his capacity to maintain perspective and bounce back from disappointments.
As Medvedev continues his quest for tennis excellence, his insights into the world of pre-match rituals provide a fascinating glimpse into the mindset and preparation methods of elite athletes, reaffirming the significance of mental fortitude and routine in achieving success on the tennis court.
Medvedev in Indian Wells, ranking, and results in 2024
At the moment ranked no.4, Medvedev achieved a 10-2 match record in 2024. Medvedev is currently having a run in Indian Wells where he overcame the world no.64 Roberto Carballes Baena 6-2 6-3.
Daniil Medvedev will come up against the world no.29 Sebastian Korda in the 3rd round on Monday at 8:30 pm on STADIUM 2. Their actual record is 2-1 for Korda.
Medvedev was the runner-up at the Australian 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 has scheduled to compete next in Miami (Miami Open). He will start to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 18th of March.
Daniil Medvedev |
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