Daniil Medvedev is remaining optimistic about his chances of being year-end world number one as he begins his US Open preparations in Los Cabos.
The Russian is playing his first tournament since June where he went out in the second round in Mallorca.
Having been banned from playing Wimbledon, Daniil Medvedev now looks to regain some form and momentum in the next few weeks ahead of his US Open title defence.
One long term goal for Medvedev will be becoming year-end world number one for the first time in his career as he looks to fend off Rafael Nadal, who isn’t defending any points for the rest of the season.
Speaking ahead of his Los Cabos opener Medvedev is remaining optimistic about his chances of ending the year at the top of the Pepperstone ATP rankings, “For sure I’m watching a little bit,” Medvedev told the ATP website about the race to be year-end world number one.
“Depends also the moment because I know at the end of the year, unless I try to win every tournament that is left, it’s probably going to be Rafa [Nadal] for [year-end No. 1].
“But at the same time, I can keep it for quite a long time I feel like if I play good here in the [North American hard-court swing]. I know that the most important is to try to win tournaments, try to win those points. Then you can keep [World No. 1].”
Medvedev is spending his 11th week as world number one but is yet to win a title this season and sits sixth in the Race To Turin.
Baring that in mind Medvedev will look to make a big statement of intent this week ahead of his US Open title defence in September and for the Russian it’s all about trying to gain confidence this week, “It’s always different, but for sure winning matches is the most important,” Medvedev said.
“Every opponent can be tough so the more matches you win, the more confidence you gain, the more you start feeling your game better, what you have to do better, so that’s what I’m going to try to do here in Los Cabos.”
Medvedev will face stiff competition this week from the likes of Felix Auger-Aliassime, Cameron Norrie and Brandon Nakashima.
But first Medvedev will take on Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata in his opening round match.
