Watch: “Loving it,” Daniil Medvedev returns to practice on clay court amidst the uncertainty of the French Open 2022
Follow Us
Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev, the world No. 2, has returned to the clay courts for the first time since undergoing a minor treatment to address a hernia problem that has plagued him in recent months. The Russian captioned a video of his practise session with “Loving it” on Twitter.
Since losing in the Miami quarterfinals to Hubert Hurkacz, the 25-year-old has been out of the game. He is also not competing in the Madrid Masters. He might make a comeback in Rome or Roland Garros. Due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Rome Masters is likely to follow Wimbledon’s lead and ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing. However, there is no such prohibition at Roland Garros. Medvedev has few points to defend on the clay-court swing, as he reached the quarter-finals of Roland Garros last year after winning only one set between Madrid and Rome. However, it is unclear whether he will return during the clay swing.
“Worst surface for me”- Daniil Medvedev
Earlier in 2021, Daniil Medvedev lost his cool at the clay court as he expressed his displeasure with the surface during his second-round loss at the Italian Open to fellow Russian Aslan Karatsev. Medvedev was completely out of his elements at the clay once more as he lost 2-6, 4-6 against his countrymate. He sat on the bench courtside and muttered to himself, “It’s the worst surface in the world for me. But if you like to be in the dirt like a dog, I don’t judge.”
Medvedev has stated numerous times that he is uncomfortable on clay. However, it appears that the tables have turned, as the Russian in his recently published practice video appears to enjoy the red dirt.
French Open to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes
The administrators of the French Open have reaffirmed that they have no plans to imitate Wimbledon and make it even more difficult for Daniil Medvedev and the other Russian players to compete. The French Open plans to adhere to the current ruling imposed by the ATP, WTA and ITF, which says Russian players are allowed to compete internationally but not under the name or flag of Russia, or as some like to call it “neutrals.”
Also Read: ‘No competition for Medvedev’ Kremlin cup to ban foreign participation as a reply to Wimbledon
Stay Updated!
Pritha Ghosh
(414 Articles Published)