"I can play like on hard courts" - Medvedev on Roland Garros surface after maiden French Open win

Daniil Medvedev claimed his first ever victory at the French Open by seeing off Alexander Bublik 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 having lost all four previous Roland Garros ties.

Medvedev has spoke of his displeasure of clay in recent months but has likened it to a hard court and doesn't see much difference to the Australian Open.

He will take on World no.52 Tommy Paul in the second round and is hopeful in his Roland Garros quest this year.

“I feel really hopeful. You could see it today in the match, I’m feeling that here, at least this year with this weather, with these balls, I can play like on hard courts,” Medvedev said post match.

“It doesn’t feel different than the Australian Open for me coming into this tournament. Now, when I’m coming to these big tournaments feeling like this, I know I’m capable of doing big things.

“[At the] Australian Open I was in the final. If I lose here in Roland Garros, it’s probably going to be because my opponent will play really good. As I said, I feel very confident, I move well, slide well. So I’m feeling great.

“[It] feels great. But most important is the level of tennis. I’ve been showing, as I said before the tournament, it was not mind games.

“My opponent can see I was really feeling good. I managed to play consistent today. I actually played much better in practice than today, so there is room for improvement.

“That was one of not many matches where I was really tight. Hopefully, it can be only better for the next rounds. As I say, [I’m] really happy first of all with the win and then with my level of play also.”