“Probably the slowest,” Daniil Medvedev doubles down on newly resurfaced Indian Wells court after second-round win

Daniil Medvedev eased past Bu Yunchaokete 6-2, 6-2 to reach the third round of the ATP 1000 tournament in Indian Wells.

“Probably the slowest,” Daniil Medvedev doubles down on newly resurfaced Indian Wells court after second-round win

Daniil Medvedev (Image via X)

The newly resurfaced Indian Wells has become a major discussion since the tournament started. Several players have made their complaints about the court being too fast and are yet to get used to it. But Daniil Medvedev, dubbed “hard court specialist” has revealed that the court is probably the slowest court he has played on.

Indian Wells announced a change to the legendary outdoor hard-court surface provider from Plexipave to Laykold. The latter is the same surface that has been used at the Miami Open and US Open since 2020, as the tournament aims to seek more consistent conditions. However, players who are yet to get used to the new surface.

Nonetheless, for Medvedev, it was an easy display on the court for the first time in the California desert. The World No.5 defeated Bu Yunchaokete 6-2, 6-2 in a little over 90 minutes to book his place in the third round of the ATP 1000 tournament.

After the win, Medvedev was asked how he felt about the court conditions, as some players had complained that they were faster than the previous one. The Russian star denied the claims, stressing that the court is very slow. He added that players like Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud will agree with him.

It’s probably the slowest court I’ve ever played in my life. Everyone has a different perspective. Some will find it fast. Some will find it slow. If you ask Sascha or Casper they’re not gonna say it’s fast. I find it super slow. Probably the slowest I’ve ever played on in my life. It’s always been the case at Indian Wells, and I managed to play well here. I’m looking forward.

Daniil Medvedev said via Indian Wells Press

Medvedev is yet to win a title since the 2023 Italian Open. The Russian finished as runner-up in Indian Wells last year but has not been at his best this season. In fact, he is yet to reach a tournament final this year.

Daniil Medvedev excited to win his opening match in Indian Wells

Daniil Medvedev‘s win against Bu Yunchaokete might appear to have ended in a one-sided victory considering the score. However, in the match, Medvedev faced several challenges as his Chinese opponent always made each point a long rally with the conditions not helping matters.

Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev (Image via X)

But somehow, Medvedev was able to cope and win the tie 6-2 6-2, which was his 200th hard court win since 2020, the highest by any ATP player. Medvedev said during the on-court interview that he was happy that he played well.

The first set was tough but I found a way to get through and played better and better and played a great match.

Daniil Medvedev said

Medvedev will face Alex Michelsen in the third round in Indian Wells. The latter booked his place in the third round after beating his fellow compatriot Colton Smith in straight sets. It will be the first meeting between Medvedev and Michelsen.