Daniil Medvedev has dismissed suggestions that he is flying under the radar after sealing his place in the quarter-finals at the Australian Open.
The former US Open champion beat Nuno Borges 6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 6-1, in his latest match at Melbourne Park. Medvedev’s latest performance saw him hit 34 winners which was 20 less than that of his opponent. However, Borges produced a costly 66 unforced errors.
“Medvedev’s effect on your game is making you miss a little too much. It’s not like he can push you back too much or hit really hard on the first serve. It’s more likely to be long rallies and just drain you slowly and make you overplay a lot.” The Portuguese world No.69 explained after their match.
It is the ninth time in his career that Medvedev has reached the last eight of a Grand Slam event. He is one of 11 active players to have reached the quarterfinals or better at each major event at least once. He is also a two-time Australian Open finalist.
Despite his record, talk of Medvedev’s title credentials at the event hasn’t been as frequent as that of reigning champion Novak Djokovic or world No.2 Carlos Alcaraz. However, the Russian believes he can be a danger to anybody on the Tour if he is on form.
“I know what I’m worth. I know how good I can play.” Medvedev stated.
“I proved it in the US Open, especially for myself, playing some tough opponents. I managed to beat them.’
“Hopefully I can show it on the tennis court. We can talk forever about who is ready, who is favourite but you need to win.”
Medvedev’s next clash will be against a player who has caused him trouble in the past. Hubert Hurkacz has beaten him in their two most recent matches in 2022 and leads their head-to-head 3-2.
So what it is about the Hurkacz’s game that is so troublesome for Medvedev?
“He serves bigger than many guys. I would compare it to something like Nick Kyrgios, very precise and at the same time strong.” He said.
“He’s in the top two or three servers on tour. It’s hard to return him. I’m going to have my eyes prepared and try to catch everything I can on Wednesday.”
Medvedev is bidding to become the first Russian man to win the Australian Open since Marat Safin in 2005.
