Daniil Medvedev - What is possible on clay?
After outstanding weeks on hard court, Daniil Medvedev is now continuing on his unloved clay courts. What is possible for the Russian on Ashes?
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit:
Apr 04, 2023, 10:25 pm
Daniil Medvedev is a man who likes to be economical with his emotions in good times. Accordingly, the 27-year-old has been able to save a lot of energy in the past few weeks, at least in this respect. Because the Russian has won no fewer than four tournaments since mid-February, only at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells did he have to congratulate Carlos Alcaraz, who was overpowering that day, on winning the title.
Whether Medvedev will achieve similar successes in the next two months can be vociferously doubted. Because the self-proclaimed hard court specialist could not collect any of his previous 19 trophies on sand. And it is precisely on this surface that Medvedev will be in action from next week.
Medvedev: 'Maybe I'll play very badly in Monaco'
The ATP Masters 1000 event in Monte Carlo (April 9th to 16th) marks the start of the clay court season for Medvedev. "The first tournament will be very tough. I'm already mentally preparing myself not to lose my mind and to stay calm. Maybe I'll play very badly in Monaco, maybe not because my confidence is at the top," explained the fourth in the world rankings is still in Miami.
Medvedev kept losing his mind on ashes in the past. Unforgotten are the scenes from Madrid or Rome, where the 27-year-old complained loudly (and in a very humorous way) about the surface. Sand, as Medvedev explained in the Italian capital in 2021, is "the worst underground in the world. But if you like to play in the dirt like a dog, then I don't judge."
Medvedev beats Djokovic in Monte Carlo
But Medvedev also proved on sand that he can keep up with the world's best. In 2019 he defeated the then industry leader Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of Monte Carlo. "I know I can play well on clay," the 2021 US Open winner recalled his strong run in the principality.
The biggest difference is that he can still win a lot of matches on less good days on hard court. "It's harder for me on clay courts." After the cancellations of Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal, Medvedev is still one of the extended circle of favorites in Monte Carlo. And the Russian will hope to remain on the back burner emotionally.
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