‘Most Dangerous Surface’ – Daniil Medvedev’s Clay-Court Woes Comes Back to Haunt Him Ahead of French Open 2022

Daniil Medvedev dethroned 20 times Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic shortly after Rafael Nadal won the Australian Open trophy out of his hands. He started the Mexican Open at Acapulco as ATP No.1. However, not much after his triumph, his form went down a steep slope. The Russian tennis professional gave a sub-par performance at Indian Wells. Thereafter he was slowly reclaiming his form in Miami, though a pestering hernia issue forced him out of the circuit.

On Tuesday, after six weeks, Medvedev returned to the court at Geneva Open. But failed to defeat Richard Gasquet and took a first-round exit from the clay-based tournament. While speaking to the press after the match, he spoke about his performance on clay.

Clay Doesn’t Work for Daniil Medvedev

After the French tennis professional outclassed him by 2-6, 6 (5) -7 (7) Medvedev said, “I don’t play my best tennis on clay courts. I know that I’m capable of making some good results, as I did in the past. But for this, I kind of need to be in the zone.” 

“I don’t feel as confident on clay as on other surfaces. Clay for my body is the most dangerous surface. For me it’s clay courts — every time, every year I have some problems where I cannot be 100 percent,” he added. Following that, he spoke about how he is not the best fit for the upcoming France-based Grand Slam.

Read More: “No More Tennis”: Daniil Medvedev Tries His Luck With Other Sport

As he said, “I’m not a favorite for Roland-Garros, but I do want to play well. If I can find my level again, I can be dangerous.”

Medvedev About the Wimbledon Ban

Daniil Medvedev, along with other Russian players, might have to miss the only Grand Slam on grass because of the recent ban. Wimbledon Championship imposed a ban on Russian and Belarusian players in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The 26-year-old addressed the matter and said, “On the one hand, I can understand it and, on the other, I find it unfair.”