World number 3 Daniil Medvedev, who is looking to make a strong comeback on the ATP tour after testing positive for COVID-19, will play his first match at the Mutua Madrid Open against the young Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. 

The 21-year-old Spaniard, who has been a steady performer over the last couple of years, has already beaten players like Karen Khachanov, Gael Monfils, Taylor Fritz, Marin Cilic, etc. His aggressive approach and his unexpected drop shots have already caused a lot of trouble to several opponents. 

At the ongoing Mutua Madrid Open, Davidovich Fokina defeated Pierre-Hugues Herbert in three tight sets to clash with Daniil Medvedev in the second round.  

The Russian has a tough opponent in Davidovich Fokina; the Spaniard has already made an impact on the ATP tour for his all-round display of tennis and also for his effective use of drop shots. 

READ MORE: “My Biggest Result So Far”: Daniil Medvedev Recalls Epic US Open Campaign After Becoming New World No. 2

“All three are tough”- Daniil Medvedev on defeating the Big-3

Speaking ahead of his first-round encounter at the Madrid Masters, Medvedev talked about his rise to the top amongst several other things. 

When asked about the toughest opponent amongst Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, the Russian answered, “All three are tough, but when I played Roger, I was a worse player than now, which means nothing, because if I beat him now, it wouldn’t be the same as when he was 25. He’s still an amazing player and an idol to everyone.”

Also, the Russian mentioned that each member of the Big-3 was a tough nut to crack on various surfaces. “It’s easy to answer: Rafa at Roland Garros, Djokovic in Australia and Roger at Wimbledon,” Medvedev concluded. 

Medvedev played against Federer thrice on the ATP tour, with their most recent encounter being the third round at the Miami Open a couple of years ago. The Swiss Maestro thrashed Medvedev in straight sets. 

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Interestingly, Medvedev couldn’t defeat Federer in any of their encounters so far. While the Russian managed to beat Djokovic and Nadal, he is yet to face the Swiss Maestro consistently on tour to sense the smell of victory. 

READ MORE: “Needs to Be Strengthened”: Coach Reflects on Daniil Medvedev’s Comeback Post COVID-19 at Mutua Madrid Open 2021