After victory on Mallorca: Daniil Medvedev is looking forward to "the greatest challenge"
After his victory at the ATP tournament in Mallorca - the first on grass - Daniil Medvedev seems well equipped for the upcoming task at Wimbledon.
by Florian Heer from Santa Ponca
last edit: Jun 27, 2021, 09:27 am
Saturday afternoon at the Mallorca Country Club. The sun is beating down on the not quite so lush green of the Center Court. Around 1,500 spectators came to the hill at Avinguda del Golf 28. The final weekend has been sold out for days, despite temperatures above 25 degrees.
Medvedev manages to neutralize Querrey's strong serve right from the start. He has to accept 11 aces, but can take the service from the US giant three times. After just 62 minutes, Medvedev leaves the field as the winner.
“This title feels fantastic because I came here to win some matches. I succeeded, ”said the number two in the ATP world rankings in his subsequent press conference. “I'm very happy with the level of my game. Today I played my best match of the tournament. It's been a positive week overall. "
Successful appearance in the Balearic Islands
Medvedev reached the final with victories over the Frenchman Corentin Moutet, the Norwegian youngster Casper Ruud and the local hero Pablo Carreno Busta. The 25-year-old Russian only gave a set against the Spaniard in the semifinals to celebrate his eleventh triumph, his first on grass. If you add Medvedev's title wins on the ITF Pro Circuit and the ATP Challenger Tour, the Muscovite has now won a tournament victory in professional tennis on all four surfaces, including the carpet.
"For me it was important to win a title on grass, because we don't have many tournaments on this surface," said Medvedev. "Now I'm looking forward to the biggest challenge: Wimbledon."
Against Struff at Wimbledon
In London, Jan-Lennard Struff, an old friend, is waiting for the first round. It was less than 14 days ago that the German Medvedev bowed out of the tournament in his opening match in Halle, Westphalia.
"Jan is a tough opponent," said Medvedev about his upcoming task. “I lost to him a week ago, but I came to Mallorca to regain my confidence after the defeat. Now I have the confidence. Playing Sam was good preparation because they both have a similar style of play with strong serves and an equally strong forehand. Sometimes you hope for an easier draw, but I'm looking forward to it. "