Home

Tennis

Daniil Medvedev Says Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer Inspired Him To Persevere Against Match Points

Published 01/26/2022, 12:38 PM EST

Follow Us

via Reuters

Daniil Medvedev managed a wonderful feat in this year’s Australian Open quarter-final. So far in the tournament, no one had been able to win a match after being two sets down. However, Daniil won a gruelling five-setter against Felix Auger-Aliassime, who seemed to be in sublime form.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Daniil Medvedev tried to learn from Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic

It was after Auger-Aliassime had taken the first two sets that Medvedev seemed to find his rhythm. He then started to play cleaner shots, take risks, even come up to the net sometimes. This change in pace and tactics helped turn the match around. Auger Aliassime also played some inspired tennis, serving excellently and hitting balls with precision. It was in the final set that his form faltered a bit, and he could not deal with Medvedev’s relentless pushing.

During the on-court interview, Medvedev said that after the first two sets, he thought about what the World No. 1 Novak Djokovic would do in his situation. Later, in his post-match press conference, he explained he was just taking inspiration from the Big Three. He clarified he mentioned Djokovic’s name first because he has had the most opportunities playing with and against Djokovic, compared to Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

‘Best Sport in the World’: Kim Clijsters and Others React to Daniil Medvedev vs Felix Auger-Aliassime Australian Open Thriller

Medvedev thinks he needs to be at his best to compete against Tsitsipas

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Medvedev’s quarterfinal match lasted 4 hours 43 minutes. When asked about that, he said that he hasn’t had a lot of experience with playing such high stakes matches, which were so physically draining in nature. He knew that the ‘Big Three’- Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic could do it time and again, but mentioned that he was yet to learn how to manage this.

He also said that he would have to bring his best self on the court, in his next match against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas. Tsitsipas won his own quarterfinal match against Jannik Sinner comfortably. He did so with clinical precision, in straight sets, in what was possibly his best match in the tournament yet.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Which of the two next-gen stars will qualify for the final?

Watch this story: It’s a Joke’: John McEnroe Furious Over Novak Djokovic’s Deportation From Australia

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Rishma Banerjee

321Articles

One take at a time

Rishma Banerjee is a tennis author at EssentiallySports. Having done her masters in Political Science with International Relations from Jadavpur University, Rishma's outlet from the hustle-bustle of academics has always been sports, especially Tennis. A die-hard fan of Rafael Nadal, she admires his grit, determination and dedication towards always being better. When not writing content for firms dealing with fintech to social media marketing to sports, she finds herself in journals and books dealing with geopolitics and strategic studies or scrolling endlessly through Tumblr!
Show More>