Novak Djokovic praises Daniil Medvedev: "One of the best players in the world"
Novak Djokovic praised the Russian after his surprising loss to Daniil Medvedev. The first in the world rankings had to give up 3: 6, 6: 3, 6: 3 in the semifinals of Cincinnati despite the lead.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Aug 18, 2019, 03:30 pm
“I think I played a really good match. Maybe I dropped a bit in the third set when I took the break, ”said Djokovic after the game. "But if someone serves more than 200 km / h on the second serve, goes on almost every ball and doesn't serve double faults, you just have to take your hat off and congratulate him."
Djokovic started the match relentlessly on Saturday night and quickly got the first set, but Medvedev made tactical changes to his game, pulling the Serbian tooth. The most striking thing was how much Medvedev attacked on his second serve.
“From 4: 3 in the second set, he played incredible tennis. There wasn't much I could do about it. I brought my racket to the ball on the return, but I couldn't adjust to the aggressiveness, ”said Djokovic resignedly. "He has huge confidence and I congratulate him. He deserved to win. "
Medvedev posted his second consecutive win over Djokovic at the ATP Masters 1000 on Saturday. Already last April he left Monte Carlo as the winner.
Novak Djokovic: "Looking forward to US Open"
“He always works in the top five. He is definitely one of the best players in the world. His forehand is better now and he moves superbly. The serve has always been a weapon anyway, ”Djokovic praised the 23-year-old. “There is definitely a big development in his game. It is going in the right direction, which is why it is currently going very well for him. ”
The four-time tournament winner recently reached the final in both Washington and Montreal. He was defeated there both times and on Sunday he wants to win the first Masters title against David Goffin (from 10 p.m. in LIVETICKER ) in Cincinnati.
Djokovic now has a week off before fighting for his 17th Grand Slam title at the US Open. "I almost only see positive aspects in my game. I'm getting in shape for New York now. I love the conditions there. I feel good and I'm looking forward to the tournament, ”Djokovic brushed aside any doubts about his strength.