Patrick Mouratoglou points out flaws in Daniil Medvedev that makes him vulnerable on clay

Daniil Medvedev's struggles on clay are analyzed by Patrick Mouratoglou.

Patrick Mouratoglou points out flaws in Daniil Medvedev that makes him vulnerable on clay

Daniil Medvedev and Patrick Mouratoglou (Image Credit: FirstSportz)

Daniil Medvedev has barely set a foot wrong in the last couple of months. He advanced into the final of five ATP tournaments this season. He also broke the jinx of having an underwhelming record in the Sunshine Double. The Russian made it to the final of the Indian Wells Open and won the Miami Open.

However, now his strengths and prowess will be tested even more as the clay swing of the season begins. The Monte-Carlo Masters tournament is here and the Russian is well aware that his record on clay has not been great. The best performance, he gave was in the 2019 Monte-Carlo Masters. He reached the semi-final round of this competition before losing to Dusan Lajovic.

YouTube video

The vulnerability of Daniil Medvedev on clay is apparent. However, superstar coach Patrick Mouratoglou recently gave his take on this interesting issue. He shared his reasons on social media.

FS Video

“I think that Daniil Medvedev struggles that much on clay for two main reasons. The first one is mental. He has decided that clay is not for him, and he said it a hundred times. It’s impossible to achieve something big when you think you are not good at it. And secondly, there are also technical reasons. He doesn’t move well on clay. I think he can learn. Of course, for sure, he can learn. But for the moment, he doesn’t feel comfortable,” Mr.Mouratoglou is seen suggesting in the video.

“It’s difficult to be anchored in the ground, to be able to hit the best shot possible. And if you look at his game, it’s based on movement so much. And the second thing, is this ball quality on clay when you play flat, the ball is not as low. First of all and there is not much quality and it’s easier to attack. I think his forehand has quality on clay, his backhand is less and that’s his major shot is backhand so that’s why he is hurt,” he continued.

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Daniil Medvedev is nervous about playing on clay

Daniil Medvedev complaining about clay court (Image Credit: The EuroSport)
Daniil Medvedev complaining about clay court (Image Credit: The EuroSport)

The current World No.5 is already getting the shivers by imagining himself about playing on clay. His record on clay is abysmal and as he prepares himself for the new swing of the season, he is finding it hard not to think about it.

“Am I going to play on clay? Are you sure there is a clay court season? Even if my confidence is at its peak, maybe I’ll play horribly in Monte Carlo… I’ll just give it my all and see how it goes. So the first tournament is going to be tough. I’m already preparing myself mentally not to lose my mind if I play really bad in Monte-Carlo,” Daniil Medvedev in an interaction with press said. 

The Russian is not known for his prowess on clay. However, in the 2019 Monte-Carlo Masters, on the path to the semi-final, he defeated strong players such as Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas. He can take solace from that and prepare well for the upcoming tournaments on clay.

“I can be dangerous on clay but I have to be well in my head. I beat Novak (Djokovic) once on clay. I actually beat (Stefanos) Tsitsipas and Novak at the same tournament once, wow. That’s pretty good achievement on clay. Here in Miami, honestly, I didn’t feel at my best. But I got away with it. But, on clay, if the match starts badly, often I can’t make it work,” he continued.

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