Indian Wells, California – Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev, who’s coming off the most important win of his profession after capturing the U.S. Open title final month, is hoping to hold that success over to the event that begins this week in Indian Wells, California.
The 25-year-old Medvedev received his first Grand Slam title final month whereas additionally stopping Novak Djokovic from changing into the primary man because the legendary Rod Laver within the Nineteen Sixties to win all 4 Grand Slam occasions in the identical 12 months.
“It was an enormous dream come true for me,” Medvedev mentioned after observe on Thursday. “I’m motivated. I got here right here ready.”
Since his dominating 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Djokovic, Medvedev has been receiving much more consideration in public, particularly from individuals who now acknowledge him in eating places.
“All people talks about you within the media, the newspapers and in Russia after all,” he mentioned. “Some individuals texted me that I hadn’t seen for a very long time.
“Lots of people tried to pay for me in eating places. Typically I attempt to refuse it. I don’t see why to simply accept it from individuals I don’t know. It’s humorous, however unusual anyway.”
Medvedev’s win got here after heartbreak in his earlier Grand Slam finals. He got here near successful the 2019 U.S. Open, however misplaced in 5 units to Rafael Nadal. Djokovic defeated Medvedev within the Australian Open last earlier this 12 months.
He misplaced only one set throughout the U.S. Open whereas incomes $2.5 million and is the primary Russian to win the occasion since Maria Sharapova in 2006.
Medvedev has by no means been ranked increased than second on the earth. However now that he has his first Grand Slam title below his belt, the plain subsequent step is to shoot for world No. 1.
Medvedev didn’t make any modifications to his schedule after the U.S. Open, opting in opposition to taking day off to keep away from changing into complacent.
He spent his time between the U.S. Open and the Laver Cup, the place he was a part of Staff Europe’s win, in Boston earlier than heading to Los Angeles for every week of coaching on the UCLA tennis facility in Los Angeles.
“I haven’t left USA after U.S Open as a result of I knew I had the Laver Cup and Indian Wells arising,” he mentioned. “My coach determined one of the best factor was to observe in Los Angeles.”
Medvedev needs to play within the Australian Open in January, however declined Thursday to say whether or not he had obtained the COVID-19 vaccine. Australia’s has a few of the world’s hardest COVID-19 well being and security protocols.
Medvedev didn’t say whether or not he’s a vaccine skeptic, as an alternative describing his secrecy as a strategic transfer.
“I don’t discuss my medical. I’ve had loads of accidents. That’s how I shield myself from competitors of the opposite gamers. I need to maintain my medical non-public for me and my household.”
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