Daniil Medvedev has started the new season in an excellent way. The 24-year-old Muscovite made a decisive contribution to projecting his team beyond the ATP Cup group stage.
The 2019 US Open finalist is using the team event to better prepare for the Australian Open, which will take place next week in the beautiful setting of Melbourne Park. The Russian had already given excellent signals in the latter part of last year, embellished by his success at the Nitto ATP Finals in London after beating Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem.
Winning a Grand Slam is the next goal for Medvedev, who had come close to a sensational comeback against Nadal in New York two editions ago. Despite the ATP Cup and tough training sessions, Daniil is perfectly aware that the players will reach the Happy Slam with less preparation than usual.
All athletes had to undergo two weeks of mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Australia before they could enjoy their freedom.
Medvedev: The preparation was not ideal
“The best players have been able to accomplish such a feat in the past.
Sometimes Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic showed up at the Australian Open without matches on their legs and still won the tournament ”- Medvedev explained. “However, this is not true for everyone.
For example, I need a few games at the beginning of the season to pick up the pace. In my case, the more I can play the better. It is not necessary to play 20 games to be ready for a Grand Slam, but it cannot be denied that the preparation was not ideal, “he added.
According to former world No. 1 Mats Wilander, the 2021 Australian Open could offer surprises: “Honestly, I don’t see Novak Djokovic clearly favored over Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Daniil Medvedev.
I think the winner will come out of the names I mentioned. We will also have to be very attentive to injuries, given that the players have not been able to play all the games they would have liked ”.
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