“Novak will adapt during the match” Coach Gilles Cervara gives insight about the strategy that helped Daniil Medvedev win the US Open 2021
Follow Us
Daniil Medvedev
The wait for a maiden Grand Slam title finally ended for Daniil Medvedev who defeated World No. 1 and the top-seeded Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the finals of the US Open 2021. Medvedev was playing in his 3rd Grand Slam finals and 2nd US Open finals and his efforts of so many years finally paid off.
Medvedev reached his first-ever Grand Slam final at the 2019 US Open where he was defeated in a 5-set thriller by Rafael Nadal who lifted his 4th US Open trophy. The Russian started the 2021 season by qualifying to the finals of the 2021 Australian Open where Novak overpowered him in straight-sets to win his 9th Australian Open title.
With his qualification into the finals of the US Open, team Medvedev was all working upon their strategy to avoid a repeat of what happened in Australia at the start of the year. Speaking about the discussions within the camp, Medvedev’s coach Gilles Cervara explained how Medvedev prepared for the finals in New York.
“After the final in Australia, we felt Daniil didn’t have that fire that can help your game to be a lot stronger, especially against a player like Novak. So that had to change to be able to play this final at another level. This is the first part. I would rather say it is a matter of mind and energy,” said Cervara.
“He served well today” Cervara praises Daniil Medvedev for his service game in the finals
Entering the Arthur Ashe Stadium, Medvedev was not the favourite for the title given Djokovic’s 27-0 record in Grand Slam matches this season. Nevertheless, the Russian focused on his own game plan and had Djokovic right where he wanted in crucial moments that turned the match in Medvedev’s favour.
“During the match, we had several strategies, including playing more in the middle, not opening too many angles and running a lot. Of course, it’s easy to say that there is no silver bullet. You have to play at your best level, have quality in your shots, and know that the strategy can change during the match because Novak will adapt during the match.
“You have to feel when you have to do something different. He had, yes, some strategies in his head to be prepared in different situations. Of course, good service was one of the keys. He served very well today. Maybe not at the end, but with the pressure, tension, it’s a little different,” added Cervara pointing at the drop in Medvedev’s serve when the crowd started booing him.
With the first Slam under his belt, Medvedev will be looking to add more to his tally as he becomes one of the rare players to win a Grand Slam final against a member of the Big-3.
Stay Updated!
Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)