"Pressure makes you play better" says Daniil Medvedev ahead of ATP Cup

A couple of positive COVID-19 tests depleted a very strong Russian team that was set to try to continue their dominance over team tennis. The nation recently triumphed at the Davis Cup Finals in Madrid and they were looking to extend that run of form in Sydney as well. However, things changed at the last minute leaving the team with only 3 players.

Medvedev is up to the challenge expected the added pressure to benefit the team:

"Last year was amazing for Russian tennis in general…and I think that's what can, again, help us a lot this week because everybody is expecting us to do well. I mean, usually, you know, I like this kind of pressure. It makes you play better.”

Medvedev has been brilliant so far in the ATP Cup holding an 8-1 record in singles but even he admits how difficult it is to start the season over:

“It's never easy to start the season. Out of three matches, only one team comes out of the group, so you need to win as many matches as possible. Ask yourself as few questions as possible, just try to win matches.”

In order to win, Medvedev might need to play doubles which is not something he is very fond off admitting:

“I practiced two times with Roman these last few days. We actually played quite well, trying to talk our way through. Of course, it's never easy. I think what is good is that we are going to have three opportunities. I feel a lot of confidence coming into this year, and I am going to play really strong guys already in the group stage. I just want to try to win my match and get the point for the team.”