“When he’s in the zone he doesn’t miss much,” Daniil Medvedev on what makes Carlos Alcaraz a difficult opponent

Medvedev and Alcaraz played each other in the Wimbledon and US Open semi-finals last year.

“When he’s in the zone he doesn’t miss much,” Daniil Medvedev on what makes Carlos Alcaraz a difficult opponent

Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev (via Imago)

Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev has assessed the difficulties of facing Carlos Alcaraz. The third seed, defending champion at Wimbledon this year, enters the tournament after winning his first Roland Garros title.

Medvedev spoke in his post-match press conference following a titanic tussle with Alexandre Muller in the second round. He emphasized that the lack of errors from Alcaraz’s racket makes him difficult to beat.

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Carlos has a very big power quality. When he was like 17, he could miss a lot. So you’re like ‘ok, he has these crazy shots, but at least he misses.’ When he’s in the zone now he doesn’t miss much. You could see at Roland Garros in some moments he was missing and struggling, and that’s amazing, because he played two big top players Jannik and Zverev.. even not playing his best and missing.. every time he hit a rocket in the court, the other guy would be in such trouble. That’s his big quality.
Daniil Medvedev said in his post-match press conference

Medvedev has experienced the challenge of facing Alcaraz recently. In their last five meetings, the Spaniard has won four times. One of those victories came in the Wimbledon semi-finals last year.

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Very very strong shots. Doesn’t matter the position. It’s easy for him to generate power from slow balls… sometimes many players have trouble… that’s his biggest quality in my opinion.
Daniil Medvedev added

Medvedev’s only win came in the US Open semi-finals later in 2023, where the Russian prevailed in four sets. The pair have met once in 2024 so far, with Alcaraz defeating Medvedev in straight sets to defend his Indian Wells title.

Daniil Medvedev overcomes Alexandre Muller in a highly contested fourth-set win at Wimbledon

Fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev battled hard against 102-ranked Alexandre Muller to secure a place in Wimbledon’s third round. Their match on Wednesday lasted over three-and-a-half hours, but Medvedev prevailed 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 6-4, 7-5. The 2021 US Open champion struggled initially but rallied after dropping the first set in a tiebreak to the Frenchman, who he faced for the first time at this level.

Daniil Medvedev Wimbledon
Daniil Medvedev (via Open Source/X)

Medvedev found his groove by winning the second set tiebreak and continued to improve, clinching the match with a 6-4 score in the third set. Muller, despite a left thigh issue that required medical attention, challenged the former World No.1 throughout. He showcased unconventional shots like underarm serves and tweeners, but his limited experience on grass showed.

Medvedev’s strategy of attacking the net paid off, although both players exchanged breaks in the second and third sets. Muller’s errors, including a crucial failed drop shot, played into Medvedev’s hands. In the fourth set, the 27-year-old’s double fault on match point sealed Medvedev’s victory.

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