ATP Masters Madrid: Daniil Medvedev - "No headline if I lose on clay"
Daniil Medvedev started the Madrid Open with a contested three-set win over Alejandro Davidovich-Fokina. Following his success, however, the Russian's relationship with the sand underground was once again the dominant theme.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: May 05, 2021, 08:00 pm
"I don't want to play here on this surface," ranted Daniil Medvedev during his second round game at the Madrid Open. The Russian, as number three in the world, the crystal clear favorite, had a hard time with local hero Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Wednesday afternoon, but finally made it to the round of 16 of the clay court classic.
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However, this success has not changed much in his relationship with this underground, as Medvedev said after his progression: "No. Even if I win Roland Garros, probably when Rafa Nadal retires, sand will never be my favorite surface." In Roland Garros, the Russian is still waiting for his first success in the main field. A circumstance that finally caused the Russian to joke.
"I don't like anything about this underground"
An outlier, the basic mood of the world number three to play for ashes is more than subdued. "I don't like anything about this underground," Medvedev had only explained at the beginning of the year and explicitly pointed out how little joy he would have had from being completely dirty after the match. From a sporting point of view, however, there was particular criticism for the irregular ball bounce.
Medvedev is consequently not particularly optimistic about his matches on clay, as it became clear again in the press conference after his opening victory in Madrid: "Beating me on clay is not a huge headline," Medvedev stated there. Medvedev already has the next chance to prove himself on the hated underground when it comes to the Madrid round of 16 against the clay court specialist Cristian Garin.
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