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Medvedev channelling Simon’s clay knowledge for Monte-Carlo bid

World No. 4 takes on Monfils or Thompson first at ATP Masters 1000

April 08, 2024

Daniil Medvedev throughout follow forward of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.
By ATP Workers

Daniil Medvedev achieved a primary through the 2023 season when he captured his maiden tour-level title on clay on the ATP Masters 1000 occasion in Rome.

Ten months on and the 28-year-old is about to compete on the floor for the primary time this 12 months on the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. Having struggled on clay within the early years of his profession, Medvedev revealed that final season’s success has given him a lift heading into this 12 months’s European clay swing.

“Earlier than I hated taking part in on clay, two to 3 years in the past. Earlier than the clay, I used to be motivated and excited after which I got here and performed and I used to be a bit of depressed for a few days after which I attempted to deal with it,” Medvedev stated. “Now this 12 months I believed, ‘OK, it’s a change in floor and you need to adapt your mentality and recreation, perhaps some pictures’, however I’m attempting to do my greatest and I’m wanting ahead to the event and to this point it has been very calm and a great working course of.”

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Medvedev, who has gained simply one in every of his 20 tour-level titles on clay, is famend for his deep-lying courtroom return place when competing on onerous courts. The No. 4 participant within the PIF ATP Rankings admits he gained’t transfer too far-off from that tactic on clay however understands the should be versatile to disrupt his opponent’s rhythm.

“Typically I get a bit scared throughout a match to maneuver ahead as a result of if I lose the match, I will likely be within the locker room saying that I ought to have stayed again,” Medvedev stated. “I’m attempting to vary it this 12 months and be a bit of bit extra unpredictable and work extra the place within the entrance, which I can play. However typically I’m inferior to on the again.

“On clay, it is a little more vital as a result of guys serve in a different way with extra spin on the bounce. If some guys kick the serve nicely you need to be in entrance. So on clay I’m going to adapt and see what the perfect place is.”

Medvedev added former World No. 6 Gilles Simon to his teaching crew in February. The Frenchman gained 5 tour-level trophies on clay and Medvedev feels Simon’s understanding of the floor will profit him through the coming months.

“Gilles left yesterday. He was right here for the preparation section and will likely be in Rome and Roland Garros. He’s an ex-player, a great participant. Good tactically and was taking part in good on clay, so from his aspect he brings small particulars. To date it has been working nicely,” Medvedev stated. “It’s me who performs on the courtroom, so it’s me who’s an important with execution and we simply attempt to talk about some pictures on clay which might be higher. Some positions and tactical moments. It isn’t one thing loopy however small particulars and that’s the way it works in tennis. To date it’s working nicely.”

Medvedev’s greatest end in Monte-Carlo was a semi-final run in 2019. The fourth seed will start this 12 months’s marketing campaign towards French wild card Gael Monfils or Jordan Thompson.