Daniil Medvedev talks about his past two US Open campaigns ahead of a ‘tricky’ fourth round clash against Dan Evans.
The Russian has sailed into the second week of the US Open having yet to lose a set in his first three matches against Richard Gasquet, Dominik Koepfer and Pablo Andujar.
Medvedev is the favourite to challenge Novak Djokovic’s quest for history as the Serb aims for the calendar grand slam.
After successfully navigating the opening week Medvedev told the press about what he has learned from his past two US Open’s where he reached the final and semi-finals respectively, “I had let’s say two successful US Opens, if we’re talking about success, finals, semifinals. Went quite far,” Medvedev said in his press conference.
“I think 2020 I was feeling even better than 2019. And right now also. But 2019 was different because it was my first Grand Slam where I broke through in the Grand Slams, so it was a different energy with the crowd and everything.
“Here I’m more mature when I talk about tennis. Yeah, I’m feeling I can do big things. But I know for this I need to continue playing good. Again, the further you go, the tougher matches and tougher opponents you get. You just need to stay consistent and bring out your best every match.”
Medvedev will hope his maturity will help him achieve the ultimate goal this year which is too win his first grand slam title in New York.
Next for the 2019 finalist will be Dan Evans who edged past Alexei Popyrin in a fifth set tiebreak and four hours.
Ahead of the match Medvedev described the Brit as a tricky opponent who play smart tennis, “I think it’s tough to describe him with one word, but definitely very tricky,” Medvedev admitted.
“I mean, the way he chooses the right moment to go to the net, to slice, to make a dropshot. I mean, his serve is not huge, but it’s tough to return. Great player.
“Again, yet he manages to make unbelievable results, beating Novak this year in Monte-Carlo. Very tough opponent to play for anybody. I want to show my best level. That’s how I will have my chances to win.”
Medvedev and Evans will meet on Sunday for the first time in their career with Evans looking to reach his first US Open quarter-final.
