Russia’s Daniil Medvedev has vowed to focus on his matches and not what could happen in the coming days as he threatens Novak Djokovic’s reign as world No.1 at Wimbledon.
The two-time Grand Slam finalist could topple Djokovic in London if he achieves one out of two scenarios. If he reaches the final where he would become the first Russian man in the Open Era to do and Djokovic doesn’t. Otherwise, if they both meet in the final, he would need to win his first major title in order to move to the top. A stern challenge for Medvedev, who is yet to progress beyond the third round at Wimbledon so far in his career.
“I need to make the final of a Grand Slam or win a Masters or win a Grand Slam to make it, especially with Novak who doesn’t want to lose any points,” he commented on his bid to clinch the No.1 spot.
“It doesn’t put extra pressure on me because I always just try to do my best, try to win matches and try to win tournaments.That’s the most important. That’s how you can actually become No.1.”
Medvedev heads into this year’s Wimbledon with a confidence boost after winning the Mallorca Open last week in what was his first ever ATP title on the grass. In his opening match at the All England Club on Tuesday, the 25-year-old ousted Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4 6-1 4-6 7-6(3) in what was a case of sweet revenge. Earlier in the month he lost to Struff in Halle.
“I’m feeling super good on grass. I’m feeling in great shape,” Medvedev stated.
“I think if I manage to raise my level a little bit, like always I have an opportunity to go far in the tournament. Being far in the tournament means you always have a chance to win.”
Should he dethrone Djokovic from the top it would mark a milestone in men’s tennis. The last time there was a world No.1 who wasn’t a member of the Big Four (Djokovic, Federer, Nadal and Murray) was Andy Roddick on February 1st 2004. A month before Spanish world No.75 Carlos Alcaraz was born.
Growing up watching Federer and Co play on the Tour, Medvedev admits it does feel surreal that he is competing alongside them. Although he isn’t letting that get in the way of his goals on the Tour.
“I think about myself being a six-year-old kid watching Rafa and Roger play already, saying, I want to be amongst them, this is mind-blowing,” he said.
“On the other side, I’ve been here (on the Tour) already for a few years, so it feels normal in a way. I always want to achieve more. That’s the only way I see things talking about my career.”
Medvedev will play wildcard Alcaraz or lucky loser Yasutaka Uchiyama in the second round at Wimbledon.
