Daniil Medvedev by no means ceases to amaze because the Russian tennis star revealed in a fairly humorous approach that he got here to the Paris Olympics with out excessive expectations for singles however that it immediately modified after he received to the court docket and realized that the balls have been lighter than the one used on the French Open.
On Saturday, Medvedev received off to the absolute best begin to the Olympics after destroying world No. 76 Rinky Hijikata 6-2 6-1 to arrange a second-round assembly in opposition to Sebastian Ofner.
Proper from the beginning of the match, Medvedev imposed his sport and broke Hijikata thrice in every set en path to finishing a really dominant win.
Following his win, Medvedev did not conceal his happiness with how issues went on the market but additionally admitted that when he arrived on the match, he was considering that he would have an even bigger probability of succeeding in males’s doubles with Roman Safiullin and in combined doubles with Mirra Andreeva, respectively.
And the explanations for that perception have been fairly easy – the French Open is the Grand Slam the place Medvedev has had the least success and he additionally would not just like the “heavy balls” which are often used there.
“After I was coming right here, to be trustworthy, I had increased expectations for doubles and combined. The draw is smaller, and the singles are sturdy. And I often don’t win Roland Garros, to place it mildly,” Medvedev informed Sports activities.ru.
“However the balls listed here are fully totally different. Not as heavy. And I performed very properly right here in coaching. So my expectations have been increased. At the moment was a cool match. Let’s see what occurs subsequent.”
Medvedev explains his situation with ‘heavy balls’
Final yr, one of many first gamers to complain concerning the fixed ball adjustments on the Tour was Medvedev. And that occurred after the previous world No. 1 suffered “a mysterious” wrist ache through the 2023 Australian Open however could not perceive why it was taking place. On the time, the Russian stated that after talking with a number of gamers, they got here to the conclusion that “the heavy balls” have been inflicting shoulder, elbow and wrist accidents.
Now, Medvedev reveals he did not like in any respect the balls used at this previous French Open, the place he reached the round-of-16 earlier than dropping to Alex de Minaur.
“At Roland Garros they’re very heavy and don’t fly in any respect. It’s simpler for individuals who can speed up the balls. However this isn’t my sturdy level. I really feel extra comfy when the ball flies by itself – and I direct it. Like at present. That’s the reason there have been so many winners,” Medvedev stated, by way of Sports activities.ru.
“I do not know who particularly selected the balls on the Olympics. However the pattern over the past 5 years has been that they’re heavier, heavier, heavier and heavier. Everybody’s shoulders and elbows harm, however the balls are nonetheless heavier and heavier. After which, out of nowhere, very gentle balls. This does not swimsuit everybody, however it fits me.”
Medvedev on teaming up with Andreeva in combined doubles
When it was confirmed that Medvedev and rising star Andreeva would play within the combined doubles occasion on the Paris Olympics, many tennis followers have been enthusiastic about seeing the 2 as a pair since their video games are literally comparable in some methods because the 17-year-old Russian additionally tends to play lengthy rallies, tactical tennis and improvise on the court docket. Additionally, they convey an attention-grabbing character collectively since everybody is aware of how Medvedev can react in sure conditions whereas Andreeva is rapidly changing into a fan favourite together with her early success but additionally charisma.
When requested how they ended up being a group, Medvedev joked that Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov withdrawing from the Olympics helped or in any other case he must battle with them.
“I’m myself (how we do as a group). We haven’t even met but. She received the match yesterday. By the best way, I knew straight away that I wished to play combined on the Olympics. If Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov have been right here, there would have been a battle between us, ha-ha,” Medvedev defined.
“And after they refused, every thing grew to become clear. Mirra and I performed at an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi – and it was cool. I feel it’s a cool story – she’s younger, I’m not younger anymore, ha-ha. Nevertheless it could possibly be an attention-grabbing combined pair.”
Medvedev then grew to become critical and revealed how actually he and Andreeva grew to become a pair.
“We did not even focus on it amongst ourselves. Extra with the nationwide group coaches. Igor Kunitsyn requested who I want to play with. I stated it could be cool with Mirra. They most likely requested her the identical factor later. And I used to be fortunate that she did not refuse,” Medvedev added.
Medvedev and Andreeva play in opposition to Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori of their combined doubles opener.
