Medvedev latest to take aim at types of balls used on ATP Tour: "It's kind of like playing on clay"
ATPTuesday, 03 October 2023 at 09:30
Russia’s tennis star Daniil Medvedev has expressed his frustration
with the ‘slow balls’ despite his recent success in the China Cup.
The 27-year-old has already booked his place in the
semifinal of the competition after France’s Ugo Humbert in the quarterfinal
with a score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-1.
Medvedev, after the win stated, that with the ball speed, it
almost felt like he was playing on a clay court.
“With these balls, it’s kind of like playing on clay,’ he
said. “The only big difference is the bounce, which is not like on clay, so
it’s still different, but it’s very slow.’
“I lost two times my serve in the first set. I won it. I
lost my serve in the third, I won it 6-1. Any other normal hard court with
normal balls, no chance I win a match like this. Also, no chance I lose so much
of my serve. To make an ace is tough.”
Medvedev is now set to face off against Germany’s Alexander Zverev
in the last-four clash on Tuesday. He is now just two wins away from winning his
21st ATP title.
Interestingly, the current world number three has never won
the same competition twice, something that might continue if he manages to win
the competition in Beijing.
Talking about it, Medvedev, who is recently coming on the
back of playing the final of the US Open, admitted that he would like the story
to continue.
“It’s a fun story,” he said. “This week I’m here in Beijing,
so I hope to make it 21 in 21 different cities. It’s going to be pretty special
because I’m not sure anyone has done something like this before.
“At the same time I hope to, in Shanghai, maybe break this
story, try to win a second title in the same city, same tournament.”
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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