Daniil Medvedev Aims for Italian Open Quarterfinals
Daniil Medvedev was eager to reach the quarterfinals of the Italian Open, a stage he last won in 2023.
Strong Start to the Italian Open
Beginning his campaign with confidence, the Russian tennis star defeated Cameron Norrie in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2.
Medvedev carried that momentum into the third round, overcoming Alexei Popyrin with a score of 6-4, 6-1, to reach the round of 16.
Facing Lorenzo Musetti
In the next round, Medvedev faced off against local favorite Lorenzo Musetti, who recently achieved a spot in the world’s top ten.
Unfortunately for Medvedev, he was unable to secure a quarterfinal spot, losing to Musetti with a score of 5-7, 4-6 in a match filled with drama.
Daniil Medvedev Discusses Crowd Behavior
After his loss, Medvedev shared his thoughts on the crowd following an incident during the match. When asked whether he found the crowd annoying, he responded, “Honestly, it was quite the opposite. I felt supported today.”
He acknowledged that while he received good support, some spectators in the front row were insulting him, prompting a reaction from his side.
Weather Delays and Their Impact
Despite the crowd’s behavior being a notable story, the weather also played a big role. Just as Musetti had match point at 7-5, rain disrupted the game, leading to an extended delay.
Upon resuming, Musetti capitalized on his match point, moving ahead in the Italian Open, while Medvedev expressed that the delay made the loss even more disappointing.
Reflections on the Match
Medvedev recognized Musetti’s superior play but was left frustrated by the missed opportunity. “In general, it was a disappointing match. It was close, but in tennis, the better player doesn’t always win,” he stated.
The rain delay intensified his feelings of disappointment, as he was hopeful for a comeback that ultimately did not materialize.
Looking Ahead to Roland Garros
With a current record of 6-3 on clay this year, Medvedev believes his level is high but acknowledges the importance of winning matches to build confidence. “I have the level; I just need to start winning,” he said.
As he prepares for the upcoming French Open, Medvedev understands that he may face tough competition similar to Musetti and looks to refine his skills. “I just have to keep practicing and improving,” he concluded.
