Daniil Medvedev by no means ceases to amaze because the Russian tennis star revealed in a fairly humorous means that he got here to the Paris Olympics with out excessive expectations for singles however that it immediately modified after he bought to the courtroom and realized that the balls had been lighter than the one used on the French Open.
On Saturday, Medvedev bought 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 recreation and broke Hijikata thrice in every set en path to finishing a really dominant win.
Following his win, Medvedev did not cover his happiness with how issues went on the market but in addition admitted that when he arrived on the match, he was considering that he would have an even bigger likelihood of succeeding in males’s doubles with Roman Safiullin and in combined doubles with Mirra Andreeva, respectively.
And the explanations for that perception had 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 might be normally 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 robust. And I normally don’t win Roland Garros, to place it mildly,” Medvedev instructed Sports activities.ru.
“However the balls listed here are utterly totally different. Not as heavy. And I performed very effectively right here in coaching. So my expectations had been increased. Right this moment was a cool match. Let’s see what occurs subsequent.”
Medvedev explains his concern with ‘heavy balls’
Final yr, one of many first gamers to complain in regards to the fixed ball modifications on the Tour was Medvedev. And that occurred after the previous world No. 1 suffered “a mysterious” wrist ache throughout the 2023 Australian Open however could not perceive why it was taking place. On the time, the Russian mentioned that after talking with a number of gamers, they got here to the conclusion that “the heavy balls” had 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 shedding 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 robust level. I really feel extra comfy when the ball flies by itself – and I direct it. Like right this moment. That’s the reason there have been so many winners,” Medvedev mentioned, by way of Sports activities.ru.
“I do not know who particularly selected the balls on the Olympics. However the pattern during the last 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 mild 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 had been enthusiastic about seeing the 2 as a pair since their video games are literally related in some methods because the 17-year-old Russian additionally tends to play lengthy rallies, tactical tennis and improvise on the courtroom. Additionally, they bring about an fascinating character collectively since everybody is aware of how Medvedev can react in sure conditions whereas Andreeva is shortly turning into a fan favourite along with her early success but in addition charisma.
When requested how they ended up being a staff, 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 staff). We haven’t even met but. She gained the match yesterday. By the way in which, I knew straight away that I wished to play combined on the Olympics. If Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov had been right here, there would have been a battle between us, ha-ha,” Medvedev defined.
“And once they refused, all the things 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. However it could possibly be an fascinating combined pair.”
Medvedev then grew to become severe and revealed how actually he and Andreeva grew to become a pair.
“We did not even talk about it amongst ourselves. Extra with the nationwide staff coaches. Igor Kunitsyn requested who I want to play with. I mentioned it could be cool with Mirra. They in all probability 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.