"WOW, I was able to beat Novak" - Medvedev ready to 'beat anybody'

Saturday, 04 March 2023 at 16:45

Updated at Saturday, 04 March 2023 at 15:08

byEvita Mueller

Already before the 2023 Dubai Championships, Daniil Medvedev said that when he shows his best tennis, he's dangerous for everyone.

In the semifinals of the ATP 500 event in the United Arab Emirates, world no. 1, Novak Djokovic experienced that the statement was very true. Medvedev defeated the 22-time Grand Slam champion to record his 5th win over him in 14 meetings. Speaking after the match, he said:

"I mean, every time I beat Novak is amazing feeling. He's probably the greatest tennis player of all time, or at least one of the two or one of the three, I don't know, one of five, whatever. Amazing player."

The 27-year-old also recalled the 2021 US Open final, when he recorded probably the biggest win of his career, and it was Djokovic, who was standing on the other side of the net. Back then, Medvedev denied the Serb a chance to complete a Calendar Slam.

"Every time I manage to beat him, is amazing. Of course, beating him in US Open final was my best memory because that's my only slam. To beat someone like him in the final is just a dream come true and forever in my memories."

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When asked to compare those two matches, he admitted that since their meeting in Dubai was just in semifinals, it's maybe a little bit less valuable, but he still underlined the confidence boost that the victory gives hin.

"In terms of this comparison, maybe this one is a little bit less because it's not the final, it's semis. I have an important match to play tomorrow. But it's always pleasure to beat him. When I say this, it's not in a greedy way, it's just that every time it gives you extra boost of confidence, like, Wow, I was able to beat Novak, I can for sure beat anybody."

Speaking about the zone and his focus, Medvedev said:

"I actually don't think I was in the complete zone. For example, I feel like in US Open I was playing much better. I was a few moments kind of not tight, I'm never really tight, but let's call it under pressure because Novak, I felt like even if he doesn't feel his best, he was missing some shots, I felt that he wants to come back."

"It's his first loss of the season. I know how it's important for him to break all these records. For sure he wanted to go for more. I felt like he will fight till the end. That puts a lot of pressure on you because you know he's capable of doing crazy things."

The Russian is aware that he's yet to play the biggest match in Dubai, as he'll take on his compatriot Andrey Rublev in the final.

"There were few small moments, especially on his serve, when I had the break where I was like I had to do better, and that's what I managed to do in US Open. But still I was playing pretty good. So, yeah, hopefully I will be even more in the zone tomorrow."