Daniil Medvedev admits he is ‘surprised’ at how Nick Kyrgios has turned his career around ahead of their fourth round clash at the US Open.
The world number one eased into the last 16 of the US Open with a 6-4 6-2 6-2 victory over Chinese qualifier Yibing Wu.
Medvedev has cruised into the second week having yet to drop a set and now looks ahead to a blockbuster clash on Sunday.
This is because he will face Wimbledon champion Nick Kyrgios who also eased into the last 16 with a 6-4 6-2 6-3 victory over J.J. Wolf.
Ahead of the match Medvedev was asked if he was surprised by Kyrgios’ revival in recent months, “To be honest, yes,” Medvedev responded.
“When I say this, we all knew that he’s capable of doing big things. I mean, one of the best serves I saw in my life. We always knew on a day he’s capable of beating anybody. He proved it many, many times against the biggest players in the world.
“For sure, especially with COVID, he was a little bit going downhill. When somebody is like this, you don’t know when to expect a comeback, or to expect one. So I’m definitely surprised, and the same time we could think that it’s going to happen.
“So congrats to him. He seems concentrated about his career. I feel like sometimes he doesn’t want to show it too much. But that’s what I feel, he wants to be a little bit serious professional. That’s great for him and great for tennis.”
It’s clear Medvedev has a mutual respect for the Australian but will need to put that to one side when the pair clash on Sunday.
The Russian will be looking to get his revenge on Kyrgios after the Wimbledon finalist defeated Medvedev in three sets in Montreal a few weeks ago.
Speaking in his press conference about the last meeting Medvedev admitted the defeat in Montreal was quite significant, “I think quite important. It was not that long ago. We both kind of know what to expect right now,” the defending champion said.
“He managed to get the better of me there, for sure, especially I would say in terms of clutch moments. He broke me three times. I had two opportunities in the same game. Didn’t break. It was quite important in the beginning of the third set.
“In a way everybody could win. I shouldn’t say this because I lost, but I felt it was close. That’s the most important coming into tomorrow. I kind of know what I have to do. Serve well, try to get to the tiebreak, try to get opportunities on his serve.
“He also knows what he will do. He serves big. He’s playing good so far. I watched his matches. Concentrated. First one was not easy. Won in three sets. Definitely looking forward. Hopefully can play my best game.”
As for Kyrgios when asked the same question in his press conference the Australian agreed with Medvedev and said the match in Montreal is significant heading into the match, “Definitely, for sure. Especially a recent match. I feel like when I played him in Australian Open, I had victories against him, but they were like years before,” the Wimbledon finalist said.
“The Australian Open I felt like my level wasn’t there. I played the wrong way. He was just in his prime. I still took a set there. I was just nowhere near the player I am now. That’s for sure.
“But I feel like having success against someone weeks before, then playing them again, for sure it’s in his mind. For sure it’s in my mind. We put that behind us. We’ve got major respect for each other. I’ve got major respect for his coach as well. He’s a great guy. Been really nice to me. Look, I think it’s going to be a fun battle.”
Kyrgios leads the head-to-head 3-1 ahead of Sunday’s last 16 clash which is likely to be a night session match.
