“Not enough for a player like Rafael Nadal” Daniil Medvedev disappointed with his game in Acapulco semis
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Daniil Medvedev
Soon to be the new World No. 1, Daniil Medvedev‘s run at the 2022 Acapulco Open came to an end with a defeat in the semi-finals against 3-time former champion Rafael Nadal in what was the repeat of the epic 2022 Australian Open finals. As history would have it, Nadal came victorious once again, winning the match this time 6-3, 6-3 in 2 hours to advance into Sunday’s final.
It was not a typical Medvedev performance with the Russian star failing to win any of the 11 break point opportunities he created for himself. Despite hitting 10 aces to Nadal’s 2, Medvedev also made 7 double faults while Nadal was disciplined to make a solitary double fault. Both the players had not dropped a set coming into the semi-finals but it was Nadal who kept his streak and has now won all of his 14 matches this season.
“I don’t think I played great today, generally my level was not good enough to compete against a player like Nadal. Too many mistakes and the scores says it. I feel like I was missing some energy today, unfortunately. I felt the support of the fans but I didn’t manage to turn my fire up. But the Mexican crowd was good and I would be happy to come back to Acapulco.
“It’s tough to say where I became no.1 because Djokovic lost in Dubai (laugh). I felt a great atmosphere here in Acapulco, I don’t care if the crowd is for me, Nadal or other players. But regardless of cheering, the public here applauds good points, they love tennis,” said Medvedev during his press conference in another honest assessment of his performance in front of the media.
Daniil Medvedev to next feature in Indian Wells
While Nadal will now contest in his 3rd final of the season in as many tournament appearances with Cameron Norrie standing in his way, Medvedev will be next seen in action directly at the 2022 Indian Wells Masters in California, the first Masters tournament of the season. Daniil has won 4 Masters tournaments so far but is yet to win in Indian Wells, which is also called the ‘5th Grand Slam’.
With the 2022 Miami Masters following the tournament in Indian Wells, Medvedev will look to capture the big titles before the focus shifts to the Clay swing of the Tour where Medvedev has faced difficulties historically but had some improved performance in the 2021 French Open where he reached the quarter-finals for the first time having failed to win his first-round match for 4 consecutive years at the Roland Garros.
Also Read: THIS Roger Federer record will remain untouched as Novak Djokovic loses World No. 1 ranking
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Sarthak Shitole
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