Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Men’s Singles – Round 3 – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 28, 2021. Daniil Medvedev of the Russian Olympic Committee reacts during his third round match against Fabio Fognini of Italy REUTERS/Mike Segar
Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Men’s Singles – Round 3 – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 28, 2021. Daniil Medvedev of the Russian Olympic Committee reacts during his third round match against Fabio Fognini of Italy REUTERS/Mike Segar
Due to the unfavorable conditions, many athletes have struggled to find their natural rhythm at Tokyo Olympics 2020. However, its adverse effects came to the surface as second seed Daniil Medvedev met Fabio Fognini in the third round of the men’s singles tennis event. In addition to that, the heat carried on even after the match ended, in the press conference.
Notably, the Russian looked quite comfortable as the battle for the quarterfinals spot began. He successfully converted two breakpoints against none and secured the opening set at 6-2.
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Moreover, Medvedev’s clean hitting made it challenging for the Italian star to keep up in the scorching heat. After a long rally, Fognini even fell on the court to take a breather.
Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Men’s Singles – Round 3 – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 28, 2021. Fabio Fognini of Italy on the floor during his third round match against Daniil Medvedev of the Russian Olympic Committee REUTERS/Mike Segar
Nevertheless, the forty good minutes of the first set were over for Medvedev. As the sun rose higher, the Russian struggled furthermore.
As a result, the Russian lost grip on the match and gave away the second set to Fognini. Most significantly, Medvedev had to take two medical time-outs to beat the humidity. When the chair umpire asked him if he is okay, he said, “I can finish the match, but I can die. If I die, who will take responsibility?”
.@DaniilMedwed is off to the beach 🏝 pic.twitter.com/YRdFIO45Zy
— . (@tennisgifsmedia) July 28, 2021
Daniil Medvedev refuses to answer a question at Tokyo Olympics 2020
As the decider set began, the nerves of both the players were settled, especially of Medvedev. Thus, he could again set up his control on the match as Fognini failed to keep up with him. Ultimately, the drama ended with the Russian closing the match comfortably as he began, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.
Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Men’s Singles – Round 3 – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 28, 2021. Daniil Medvedev of the Russian Olympic Committee in action during his third round match against Fabio Fognini of Italy REUTERS/Mike Segar
As if the heat wasn’t enough for the day, Medvedev encountered an abysmal question from the media. Consequently, the Russian dealt with it accordingly, articulating himself clearly.
The interviewer asked, “Are Russian athletes carrying a stigma of cheaters in these games and how do you feel about it?” Shocked from the question, Medvedev answered, “First time in my life I’m not gonna answer a question. You should be embarrassed of yourself. I think you should wire him from the Olympics, I don’t wanna see him again.”
Q. Are Russian athletes carrying a stigma of cheaters in these games and how do you feel about it?
Medvedev: "First time in my life I'm not gonna answer a question. You should be embarrassed of yourself. I think you should wire him from the Olympics, I don't wanna see him again"
— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) July 28, 2021
Who will Medvedev play next in Tokyo Olympics 2020 QFs?
As per the draw, he will next meet Hamburg Open champion, Pablo Carreno Busta,?in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 quarterfinals. The Spaniard overcome German Dominik Koepfer in 7-6(7), 6-3, becoming the first to reach the last eight.
Do you think he will go on to win a medal for Russia?
Watch this story: Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal and Other Gold Medalists at Olympics
