Medvedev stands out in the Grand Slam five-set debate
The Russian tennis player has stated that these tournaments would lose their essence if they change their format, although he says he will adapt no matter what and even prefers to play best of three sets.
Daniil Medvedev is in a sweet spot. In a season full of ups and downs, the Russian tennis player has found the necessary consistency on the Asian tour, where he has won the ATP 250 in Hangzhou and is already in the round of 16 of the ATP Beijing after overcoming Pablo Carreño. Moreover, in the press conference after his victory he expressed his views on the debate about whether Grand Slams should be reduced to best of three sets.
In recent weeks, there has been a lot of talk about the calendar, its demands, and the constant injuries of tennis players. The possibility that Grand Slams could stop being played to five sets, or at least until the quarter-finals has also been discussed, something that Daniil believes would take away part of their history. However, the Russian player has shown openness to any possibility, citing the changes that have occurred with the Masters 1000 since the beginning of the century as an example. In fact, he prefers to play best of three sets.
Medvedev talks about Andrey Golubev's role in his team
Reaching finals is, without a doubt, important. It all comes down to playing well. If you lose in the early rounds a couple of times, someone else might catch up with you. If you reach the finals of the big tournaments, you secure a spot in Turin. So the key is to play well. As for Andrey, things are going very well. The best work you can do is during the preseason; it's the most important stage, where you really feel the greatest connection with both the coach and yourself.
Still, we went through a difficult phase at the beginning of our relationship. I lost a couple of matches in the United States and didn't feel good. I feel we are on the right track. For now, I am enjoying it a lot. We will decide at the end of the year whether he continues in 2027, but I think there are many possibilities, yes. But since I can't guarantee it 100%, I'm not going to say it's certain 100%.
The possibility of changing Grand Slams to best of three sets until the quarter-finals
I believe that, without a doubt, that takes away from the history of the Grand Slams. But since I was young, I always said: "Look, I prefer to play best of three sets." So, if you ask me, I would opt to play three. Although I also think it's fine to play to five; I adapt to whatever is decided. If someday they decide to change the format to best of three sets until the quarter-finals, or even for the whole tournament, I would be fine with that. And if they stick with five sets, that would also be fine with me. It was also fun when the Masters 1000 tournaments were played to five sets, but I don't think we should go back to that format. I’m just a player. I focus on playing. I will always try to give my best, regardless of how many sets need to be played.
Change of climate in Beijing
We can neither debate nor cry, but we can complain. When the atmosphere is dry, hands can crack a bit; sometimes, hitting the ball with the frame of the racket can cause cuts or things like that. When it's humid, you can get cramps and things like that. It's like playing matches to three or five sets: you adapt. At least you know that probably no one will suffer cramps or be exhausted at the end, as the weather is quite cool and dry. But yes, overall, I enjoy my stay in China, regardless of whether it's humid or not. I enjoy the time I spend here in Beijing.
Medvedev reveals how he feels physically after playing two tournaments in a row
I feel very good. I was somewhat lucky to play two days after the final, and not the next day. So, I feel great. I felt good physically today and also with my tennis. I look to the future with excitement.
Level of confidence after winning in Hangzhou
It's a curious question because I would say that the feeling on the court is exactly the same. For example, when I won the US Open: you feel relief after winning the last point. In fact, both times it was with an open serve, and my opponent sent the ball into the net. Hangzhou is a smaller tournament than the US Open, but the feeling is quite similar. It's a relief; it's a nice feeling. However, what comes afterward is different when you win a Grand Slam compared to when you win a 250 tournament.
We decide to play the tournaments we want; obviously, there are more Masters tournaments —and sometimes even more Grand Slams— in a year than 250 tournaments. But whenever you play somewhere, you want to win. Winning is a pleasant feeling. Regarding the consequences, it's clear that Hangzhou is a small tournament and it won’t change the course of my career in the long term, but the feeling is wonderful. Of course, it is always enjoyable.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Medvedev se moja en el debate de los Grand Slams a cinco sets