The character on the court, self-irony and reconciliation with the fans: how Medvedev made him admire himself in the finale of the US Open

“I try to be myself”

Russian Daniil Medvedev was one of the main discoveries of the US Open that ended in New York and almost created a sensation, putting up worthy resistance to the eminent Spaniard Rafael Nadal in the finale. Despite a disappointing defeat in the five-set match, he demonstrated a fighting spirit and presence of mind even after its completion.

So, during the award ceremony, the tennis player noted Nadal's contribution to world tennis, and also commented on the Spaniard’s next triumph with a peculiar sense of humor.

“Playing against him is incredibly difficult. I just watched on the screen a video of all 19 Rafa’s victories in Grand Slam tournaments and thought: “What would you show if I won?” Hundreds of thousands of children will go to tennis, because Nadal has achieved this, ”Medvedev said.

In addition, we can say with confidence that after the final a reconciliation took place between Medvedev and the local public. Tennis fans love exciting comeback stories, especially in seemingly hopeless situations.

At the post-match press conference, Medvedev admitted that he will long remember the atmosphere in the Arthur Ashe arena.

“I just try to be myself, and, speaking bad, I'm not proud of it, but I am so. As for the good and the return of the public to my side, I was really surprised. I fought for every point. I think this is what the audience appreciated. As I said, losing in the third set, I took the game and felt that the audience wants the game to continue. Their support was just crazy. I knew that for the sake of them I need to give everything in full. Of course, first of all, for his own sake, but also for them. They appreciated this, and I am very grateful to them, ”the Russian said.

The presence of spirit did not leave Daniel during a press conference at which he had to analyze the course of a lost match. He noted that he was pleased with himself, despite the defeat, and added that the level of his game had grown significantly. In addition, Medvedev also focused on improving his physical condition.

“I think at the age of 33 I will be able to perform like Nadal. Although he himself says that with age his manner changed greatly so that he could continue to perform at a high level. I may have to do the same. I don’t know yet, ”said the tennis player.

Medvedev commented on his physical form. Compared to Nadal, Daniel looks much less athletic, but the Russian himself does not consider this to be his shortcoming. In his opinion, such a physique makes it easier for him to endure protracted matches

“I eat a lot of pasta. I try not to overdo it with pizza. But, Italians forgive me, I just adore Hawaiian, ”Medvedev added.

“Winning one of the Grand Slam tournaments is a matter of time”

Medvedev's speech at the US Open impressed not only fans and journalists, but also experts. Many of them expressed confidence that this is not the last grand slam tournament finals of his career.

“I fought to the end, well done. In the first set, he realized that he would not win with such tennis, and began to rebuild his tactics to a more aggressive one, it worked out. But when you catch up with the player, you give all your strength, and there were almost none at the end, especially Daniel ran such a marathon in America, starting in Washington. In such a match, everything is decided by one or two points. But what Medvedev did is unrealistic, handsome. If he continues to move this way, then a victory in one of the Grand Slam tournaments is a matter of time, ”quotes ex-tennis player and coach Andrei Chesnokov Sport24.

According to the president of the Russian Tennis Federation (FTR) Shamil Tarpishchev, the only thing Medvedev did not have to win was good luck.

“It was an outstanding match and an outstanding tournament for Medvedev. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough luck, at the beginning of the fifth set Dani’s advantage was significant, and such moments need to be realized. In any case, he has room to grow, and it pleases. Now he needs to rest after such a trip, ”Tassishchev quotes TASS.

In turn, the honored trainer of Russia Viktor Yanchuk noted the character of the Russian, who managed to recoup, losing 0: 2 in sets.

“In general, the final was a success. Tennis players kept the whole world in suspense. For Medvedev, this is a big step forward. If he improves on some relatively weak points, he will be a likely candidate for other Grand Slams. Medvedev needs not to abuse shortened gears and increase the pace in the game. But the match was equal, Daniil played great for such a debut, ”the expert said in an interview with the Championship.

A similar position was expressed by the former first racket Evgeny Kafelnikov. In his opinion, Medvedev should be pleased and proud of himself after the match with Nadal.

“The most important thing is that he had a desire to fight, despite the fact that the situation was critical. He lost in the first two sets, lost a break point in the third set, but did not give up, but continued to fight. Perhaps these are the most important qualities that he has in his arsenal - character and desire, ”Kafelnikov said.

Coach Vladimir Kamelson appreciated the spectacular finale, which is rare in modern tennis.

“I watched the whole match in one breath. Over my rather long professional age in tennis, such a match - with such political subtext, with such a formula when two completely diverse tennis players are playing - there has never been such a dramatic match. This is real fantasy! Of course, Nadal was a favorite, it was obvious, but Medvedev’s charisma was so high, he went so quickly to the finals without much years of preparation, when people have been doing this for decades, ”RIA Novosti quoted the expert as saying.

The sports minister of the Russian Federation, Pavel Kolobkov, did not stand aside from the success of the Russian. He suggested that Medvedev would be one of the main hopes of the Tokyo Olympics.

“The fact that Medvedev became the finalist of the tournament is a big victory for Russian tennis. I could not see the match completely because of the flight to Khanty-Mansiysk. I saw the beginning of the meeting, and the completion was already inspected at the airport upon arrival, stood at the TV screen, very worried. I am glad that Daniel managed to turn the tide of the game and impose a fight on Nadal. He showed great potential and the will to win, and I’m sure that he can compete for Olympic gold next year, ”the press service of the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation quotes Kolobkova.