"You need to be at your absolute best": Daniil Medvedev names Jannik Sinner as 'the big one right now' to beat
ATPFriday, 01 March 2024 at 00:00
Daniil
Medvedev considers Jannik Sinner the significant rival to beat currently. The
young Italian is undefeated in 2024 with a record of 12-0 in the season, having
won 32 of his last 34 matches.
Undoubtedly,
Medvedev and Sinner have built up a significant rivalry since their first match
in 2020. The Russian claimed victory in the initial six encounters, but the
Italian deciphered Medvedev's game and emerged victorious in their last four
meetings.
Moreover,
five of their matches took place in finals (3-2 in favor of Sinner), including
the 2024 Australian Open, where Sinner secured his first Grand Slam title.
Medvedev commented on the challenges involved in playing against Sinner:
“He just plays better. Maybe the first match in Beijing [in October 2023] when he managed to
beat me for the first time, he mixed up some things comparing to before. Then
in the next matches I just feel like he plays better than before,” he said.
“Before the
matches were tough when I won them, but he could miss here and there, break
point, miss a first serve, a forehand straightaway. Now it doesn’t happen
anymore. Even if he does, he’s going to make a good shot. For me that happened.
He just started playing better,” former world No. 1 claimed.
“Mentally,
I honestly don’t feel like I’m scared or anything like this. It’s just you know
before the match it’s a tough match. He’s playing very good,” Medvedev added.
“You need
to be at your absolute best. All the shots have to be perfect to try to win the
match. Even that could be not enough, like it was in Australia. That’s a force
that big tennis players have, and he’s definitely the big one right now.”
Medvedev
was asked about the loss in the Australian Open final, where he was up two
sets. Sinner managed to come back from what seemed like a lost battle to claim
the crown with a score of 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3. It is the second time
Medvedev has suffered a similar fate in Melbourne, as two years earlier, he
witnessed Rafael Nadal's epic comeback that resulted in Nadal taking the title
2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.
“For sure I’m still
disappointed because that one was close. Closer than the Jannik match," Medvedev expressed. “Also
mentally with the crowd and this and that. Somewhere in the match I really felt
like I’m there, not that I have to win it, but I was really close in my mind.”
“Not sure
it’s even a lesson. I would prefer not to have this lesson. But in life not
everything goes as you prefer. So this happened. I have to go on from it. I
would say I hope that it was a lesson and I can take anything from it. Even if
not, I just have to forget it and go.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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