Medjedovic and his constant internal struggle: "My mind supports and holds me back at the same time"

Hamad Medjedovic is one of the great talents on the men's circuit, under the guidance of Jorge Aguirre, former coach of Alejandro Davidovich, to refine that talent and turn expectations into victories. However, things have not been going as expected for the Serbian player on this clay court swing. He reached the round of 16 at the Conde de Godó, but fell in the first round of Madrid and Rome. Now he arrives at Roland Garros without any wild card and needing to prove himself as a contender. So far, things are going well in his Paris debut as he defeated Kamil Majchrzak 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(2).

Nevertheless, before his journey at the French Grand Slam, ATP's 77th-ranked player opened up in a deep interview with the Serbian outlet Sport Klub. He discussed the importance of mental strength in the tennis world, openly admitting that it is an area where he needs to improve to become one of the best players on the circuit. 

An inconsistent tour

"It was a real drag in Rome, I was nowhere near my level. And in Madrid, mentally it was a tough match against Tomás Etcheverry; I only got 2 out of 22 break points. In Barcelona, I was solid, but I also had many opportunities against Ruud. It could have been better, no doubt."

Going all out at Roland Garros

"There's not much to say, except that it's not as expected. Last year was better. However, the main tournament is approaching, Roland Garros, and that's what we're looking forward to. I tried to prepare myself as best as possible and forget what happened in the two previous tournaments."

Creating many opportunities, although sometimes they don't result in victories

"It's great to know and see the stats when I sit down with my team after the game and see that I had many opportunities. On the other hand, it's frustrating to know that you had many chances and damn it! You miss them all. Especially when similar matches repeat two or three times. But that's tennis: one tournament is a disaster, another is a semifinal or a final. You have to stay calm."

Mental strength, key to making the definitive leap

"It's all about working; you simply have to work on mental strength. I can't say it has harmed me, because it has also helped me... I'm impulsive, everyone knows and sees it, and I have to work on that. Still, it's not easy: on one hand, I have to keep my passion and fight, and on the other hand, I have to distance myself from that side that can drive me crazy on the court. My mind supports me and holds me back at the same time. I'm finding that balance."

Mind blank during matches

"I don't think about mental strength during the match. It's very difficult for me to explain my state during matches. I go on a kind of 'journey,' I don't realize some things, I can't think much. At that moment, I think I'm the smartest, which is the worst, and then, only at the end of the match, I realize I'm very stupid and did very stupid things on the court. I think it happens to many players. We get into a rhythm, it's not easy to hear what they say from the sidelines. I struggle to explain it. Believe me, it's a state where after two days, I already forget how I felt on the court, what I was thinking... It's hard to explain. In the end, mental strength is very important, and it's time for me to improve in that aspect."

Open communication with Jorge Aguirre

"I have very long conversations with my team. My coach, Jorge (Aguirre), has been in this for a long time. His friend Antonio is a sports psychologist, with whom we have spoken several times, and my physical trainer, Juanmi, is also there. They all know me very well, know how I think. The key is to be as honest and open with them as possible; I have matured a bit compared to last year: I tell them what worries me, how I feel..."

"I try to explain my state on the court as best as I can, my nerves, and my thoughts, so they can help me afterward. My eyes cloud over, I have mixed feelings, so we analyze why it's like that... Probably because I'm too eager to win and don't accept defeat well. We're working on it."

In tune with Aguirre

"I like his calmness and what we discuss, the psychological analysis of tennis. That's what I need the most. There are small details in the forehand and backhand, but the mental aspect is key. He has a lot of experience; he was with Davidovich from a very young age and knows exactly what steps to take."

Understanding the circuit's workings better each time

"I'm learning the whole circuit process. I've been in the circuit all season from this year, so I'm starting to understand it. My biggest problem was that after a loss, my world would collapse, while in tennis, you have a new opportunity every week or every two weeks. When you understand and accept that, it's easier, but you have to get there."

Aware of the privilege of being a professional tennis player

"Almost everyone will tell you that the hardest part is being away from your family and friends for almost a year. On the other hand, you're living your dream, something you've dreamed of since you were a child. I look at myself: I dreamed of being one of these players, of being here. You have to constantly remind yourself that you've worked hard and earned it all your life. And enjoy it despite the challenges and some difficulties," confides Medjedovic, who seeks to find in Roland Garros the sensations that have not emerged during the rest of the tour. 
 

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Medjedovic y su constante lucha interna: "Mi cabeza me sostiene y me frena a la vez"