Medvedev embraces new love for clay, compares it to eating fish

Daniil Medvedev has expressed his disdain for clay courts on numerous occasions, but he might be changing his tune following his third round victory over Reilly Opelka at Roland Garros.

The World No.2 completed a 6-4 6-2 6-4 victory over the 32nd seed, powering his way to his maiden fourth round at the French Open. Having won three consecutive matches on clay for the first time since reaching the Barcelona final two years ago, the Russian is slowly starting to have a change of heart regarding the red dirt.

"The beliefs, they can change,” Medvedev said after his win. “I don't know. When I was young I never ate fish, like I hated it. Now I love tuna, but raw tuna. Talking about things I hate but I'm good at, probably there is none. I like the things I'm good at.

"This year I'm enjoying myself in Roland-Garros. I don't hide it, I'm really enjoying. Let's see. It's the last clay tournament this year. Let's see how it's going to go next year.”

The second seed neutralized his towering opponent's serve, hitting 28 winners to 16 unforced errors.

"It's definitely never an easy draw to play Reilly. Of course, indoor hard courts would be tougher than outdoor clay courts,” he said. “In these conditions, even guessing one side, I could still get back to another side if I saw the serve coming the other way. That's what usually you don't have this chance on a faster surface.

“Definitely happy with my game and my return today because I actually hit more aces than him. That's a great achievement."

Medvedev plays 22nd seed Christian Garin in the fourth round of the French Open, and hopes to get some revenge after the Chilean defeated him in Madrid last month.