Medvedev's confession about Monfils after his retirement

Daniil Medvedev has achieved an important victory against Stefanos Tsitsipas to reach the quarter-finals of the ATP Shanghai and extend his record in the Asian swing to 10-1, which showcases his great form in the final stretch of the season. Additionally, after the victory, he gave his first opinion following the retirement announcement of Gael Monfils, praising his figure and how beloved he is in the locker room.

In theory, everything indicated that Monfils would retire at the ATP Paris in front of his fans, but last night it was a surprise that he was already listed as a retired player. The reason behind this decision is still unknown, and even Medvedev himself was not aware of the complete story. What he is clear about is that he will be greatly missed, especially in the locker room, as he has also described how difficult it was to play against him. 

Medvedev reveals why he always plays well against Tsitsipas

I think it’s simply that we are both good players. Sometimes we play a little better and other times a little worse throughout the season. For example, Stefanos may not have been at his best at the beginning of the season; however, when we faced each other, I felt he played better than he did in the Grand Slam semi-finals. And you know, in a single match, anything is possible. We both know how to execute the forehand and backhand, so I’m glad I managed to do it better than he did today. 

I would say that in the first set I had him on the ropes; I think I had break points in every game, and in one, although there were no break points, I was up 0-30. The second set was another story. It was very tight. I’m glad I managed to make good returns with the score at 5-5, find a good rhythm, and break his serve. But overall, I’m happy with the match and the way I played.

Opinion on Monfils after his retirement

He’s super fun and it’s really hard to play against him. Especially when you’re ahead on the scoreboard, it’s very challenging to face him because he relaxes and starts trying everything: shots between the legs and things like that. Above all, I hope he’s doing well because he surely wanted to play in Paris. He retired... I don’t know what’s happening, but I hope he’s enjoying himself and feeling well. He has had an incredible career and is probably one of the few players —or rather, I don’t think there’s anyone— that nobody speaks badly of.

Consistency achieved in the Asian swing

Look, I don’t like to go around saying I’m playing great, but I feel that the balls here —which are the same I’ve been using for three weeks— and the courts suit me well. I understand what I’m doing on the court and I know exactly which shots I want to execute. I’m not wondering why the heck my backhand is hitting the net —when I’ve been training it for three weeks and it still doesn’t go in— like I did in the United States (laughs). I just try to give my best, whatever the week. Even in the United States, when I was losing in the first round, I was giving it my all. 

Medvedev discusses his goal for the ATP Finals

It all comes down to results. If I had played well in Canada —reaching the quarter-finals— and maintained that level here, without having lost 200 points last week, I would probably already be officially qualified. So it’s a matter of results. If you lose in the first round, maybe you won’t go to Turin. If you reach the quarter-finals in all the Masters of the year, you probably will. That’s why I try to give my best; if I achieve it, perfect. And if not, the Maldives are also a good option.

Should his rivals be afraid of him?

To be honest, I think when you enter the quarter-finals of a Masters everyone should be afraid of everyone. Bergs defeated Alcaraz, Paul beat Vacherot, the reigning champion, and I suppose I will play against them. So, they are also playing very well, but I just try to play at my best level. When I’m playing at my best level, I know I’m hard to beat.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La confesión de Medvedev sobre Monfils tras su retirada