“If I Die Who Will Take Responsibility”: Daniil Medvedev Toils Against Fabio Fognini at Tokyo Olympics 2020

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics has been an eventful tournament so far. With some epic battles, unbelievable results, and plenty to talk about, the tournament has lived up to its standard. It has thoroughly entertained tennis fans in particular as it continues to deliver more than expected. Day six of the competition was no different but also unlike anything seen so far, as Daniil Medvedev went head to head with Fognini Fabio in the third round.

Fans watched, stunned, as the game got more feisty. Despite starting strong, Daniil Medvedev faced a setback in the second set, requiring medical aid. The World No. 2 was clearly in distress and looked like he wouldn’t make it to the end of the match. The Tokyo temperature matched the heated atmosphere of the game as Daniil looked on the verge of fainting. His Italian counterpart wasn’t one to hold back as he continued his ruthless attack.

“If I die who’ll take responsibility?” – Daniil Medvedev

Daniil Medvedev looked down and out as the game was reaching its natural conclusion. Despite having won his first set, he was in no state to make it to the end. However, when the Russian was asked about his condition by the umpire, he said, “I can finish the match, but I can die. If I die, who will take responsibility?”

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Match summary

Clearly, the power-packed game had everything, from drama to debate to disappointment for one player. Both athletes played with their hearts on their sleeves. Fans had termed the Russian favorite ahead of the game, and he didn’t let them down.

Despite a first set triumph, Daniil faced a setback in the second set, requiring immediate medical aid. On the verge of fainting, Daniil tried giving it his all, bit by bit, while his Italian counterpart played mercilessly for his place in the match.

As Daniil decided to continue, the Italian fought hard for his place in the match and was awarded a second set victory for the same. However, after receiving a much-needed MTO, the World No. 2 was back to his absolute best. Once again, Daniil dominated the game and took the match by the crux of it. Despite Fabio’s counter-attacking efforts, Daniil stood solid and won the game in convincing style. The scoreline ended at 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 and the Russian progressed into the quarter-finals.