“If I show good tennis, I can win”
The tournament in Sofia was for Daniel Medvedev an excellent opportunity to get closer to the top ten of the ATP rating. In Bulgaria, the Russian arrived in good shape immediately after a convincing victory in the Russian team over Switzerland in the Davis Cup and was set up as seriously as possible, especially since he was sown under the third number.
And Medvedev fully justified his favorite status. On the way to the finals, he consistently figured out with Robin Has, Martin Klizhan and Gael Monfis. At the same time, Daniel managed to take only the first set from Daniel, and the Russian gave the tennis player from the Netherlands the first game, after which he changed the course of the meeting.
Perhaps the seventh seeded Monfis, with whom the Russian met in the semifinals, became the most dangerous rival for Medvedev. But Daniel unexpectedly easily beat him in two sets - 6: 2, 6: 4.
Thus, for the second time in his career, Daniel had to face off with Marton Fuchovich. Their first meeting took place last year at the Monte Carlo tournament, and Marton even managed to pick up the first set, but in the end the Russian turned out to be stronger in three games - 6: 7, 6: 2, 7: 5.
Before the new meeting with the Hungarian, Medvedev felt confident enough.
“I suppose in the Sunday finals a tough match is waiting for me, but if I show good tennis, I can win. There will be no special preparation for the final, I will dissolve within 30 minutes and go to the court, ”the Russian noted.
In addition, the victory in Bulgaria could be an excellent birthday present for an athlete, which he will celebrate on Monday.
Confident superiority
As a result, Medvdeva didn’t have any problems in the final confrontation. He easily beat the inferior opponent in two sets. From the very first games, Daniel tried to cling to the reception and tried to make a break as soon as possible. Already in the starting game, the Russian had two break points, but failed to realize them. With the score 2-2, Medvedev once again missed another chance to take someone else's supply.
But she couldn’t take Fuchovich all the time, and in the seventh game, Medvedev did make the first break, even at zero. However, the Hungarian at that moment managed to get together and showed character. At the cost of incredible efforts, he was also able to respond with a break - 4: 4.
After this, Medvedev could have already waved, but this did not happen. The Russian immediately quietly made another break, and then confidently filed for a set.
In the second game of struggle on the court was even less. With the score 1: 1, Daniel took delivery opponent, and then acted for his own pleasure. Fuchovic made the last desperate attempt to save the match in the sixth game of the second set. Wenger managed to earn several break points at once, but Mededev did not allow his opponent to change the course of the meeting. And when the score was 5: 3, Daniel did not delay the standoff and finished off his opponent with a break under zero.
Delight for Daniil 🏆 @ DaniilMedwed defeats Marton Fucsovics 6-4 6-3 to win the 2019 @sofiaopentennis title
🎥 @ TennisTVpic.twitter.com / P8KApLW61m
"I drove here for the title"
A confident victory over Fucovich brought Medvedev with the fourth ATP trophy in his career and the first of the year. In 2018, the Russian won tournaments in Tokyo, Winston-Salem and Sydney.
But the Russian will not be able to rise higher in the ATP rating, but he will retain 16th place and will come even closer to the so-called “championship race”, which allows him to take part in the Final Tournament.
Medvedev himself at the press conference after the match thanked everyone for their support.
“I am very happy because I came here just for the title. I was going to win every next match, and I succeeded. I showed good tennis, and in the last three games I didn’t even lose a set. Just satisfied with my level, ”said happy Medvedev.
Daniel also spoke about his future plans and how he will celebrate his 23rd birthday.
“Tomorrow I will go to Rotterdam, and I will fly with Fuchovich on one flight, we will now play there. I will meet my wife at the airport, so a good birthday is waiting for me, we will celebrate a little, and then the next matches will be waiting for me, ”the Russian added.