Daniil Medvedev is having a really good Australian Open, but the Russian dismissed claims that he's flying under the radar.
The Russian is not a flashy player who will make many headlines, but to suggest that he's flying under the radar feels rather laughable. Medvedev is a former world number one who has one Grand Slam in his cabinet.
He's been in several Grand Slam finals, including two in Melbourne. He was in the final just two years ago, in 2022, when he lost to Rafael Nadal, so not expecting him to do well seems silly.
Yes, he did lose to Sebastian Korda early last year, but Korda played one of his best matches ever, and those types of matches are pretty hard to overcome.
Following his most recent victory over Nuno Borges, which sent him into the quarterfinal against Hubert Hurkacz, he was asked about 'flying under the radar' because of the favorite status of Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, and the Russian dismissed it.
"I don't think so. I think last year for sure we managed a little bit separate from other guys, especially in terms of points. I know what I'm worth. I know how good I can play."
"I proved it in US Open, especially for myself, playing some tough opponents, in my opinion, like game style-wise. I managed to beat them. I'm ready. Hopefully I can show it on the tennis court. We can talk forever who is ready, who is favorite. You need to win."
None of what the Russian did this week is surprising in any way, and it should have been expected of him. If he wins his next match, it won't be surprising. Neither will if he makes his way to the final, and neither will if he wins the event. He's just that good.
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