Daniil Medvedev believes he can pose a danger at next week’s
French Open but has refused to label himself as one of the favourites for the title.
The world No.2 returned to competitive action at the Geneva Open on Tuesday for the first time since March after missing most of the clay swing due to a hernia operation. Medvedev lost his comeback match 6-2, 7-6(5), to French veteran Richard Gasquet who hadn’t beaten a member of the world’s top two since 2005. Following the match, Medvedev said:
"I don’t play my best tennis on clay courts. I know that I’m capable
of making some good results, as I did in the past. But for this I kind
of need to be in the zone. I
don’t feel as confident on clay as on other surfaces, that’s why I lost
7/5 in the tie-break finishing with a double fault. It’s disappointing
but I’ve had tougher losses in my career.“Physically I felt not bad. With more days of practice, I should be ready for
Roland Garros.”
Asked about his chances in Paris, Medvedev said he's not the favourite but he can be dangerous:
“Clay for my body is the most dangerous surface. For me it’s clay
courts — every time, every year I have some problems where I cannot be
100 percent,” he explains.“I’m not a favourite for Roland Garros but I do want to play well. If I can find my level again, I can be dangerous.”