Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev was forced to withdraw from the Madrid Open after losing the first set to Jiri Lehecka, citing injury concerns. Despite a strong start to the match, Medvedev’s bid was cut short as he struggled with discomfort in his upper right leg.
Medvedev’s decision to retire came after seeking medical attention during a sixth-game timeout, where he received treatment for his hip. He expressed his frustration, stating, “I felt it on a return when he served and volleyed… when I ran, I wanted to run faster and faster during the movement, and suddenly felt my hip, like, kind of blocked.”
Concerned about exacerbating the injury, Medvedev opted to retire from the match based on advice from his physiotherapist. He elaborated, “I asked him if I could make it worse. He said if it’s a tear, then yes. If it’s a spasm, no.”
Medvedev’s withdrawal prompted Lehecka to wish him a speedy recovery, demonstrating sportsmanship despite his victory. “Get well soon Daniil,” Lehecka wrote on a camera lens, showing empathy for his opponent’s plight.
Medvedev’s immediate focus now turns to a forthcoming scan to assess the extent of his injury. Uncertain about the severity, he expressed hopes for a swift recovery, especially with major tournaments like the Italian Open and the French Open looming on the horizon.
“I need to see the images, speak to my team,” Medvedev explained. “I just need to see what it is, because right now I basically don’t know if it’s very serious, just serious, or not serious. No idea.”
Medvedev’s injury setback underscores the physical demands of professional tennis and serves as a reminder of the importance of player health and well-being in the sport. As he awaits further evaluation, the tennis world will await updates on his condition with bated breath, hoping for a prompt return to the court.
Daniil Medvedev in 2024
Ranked world no.4, the Russian played his last match on the 2nd of May when he had to retire when playing against world no.31 Jiri Lehecka in the quarter and the scoreline was 6-4 .
At present, during this year the Russian has achieved a composed 22-6 match record. Daniil Medvedev’s best result of the present season was getting to the final at the Australian Open and Indian Wells.
Medvedev has scheduled to play next in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia). He will begin to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 8th of May.
Daniil Medvedev |
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