It is not unknown that the Russian Daniil Medvedev is not a big fan of the clay-court swing. Even so, he is an optimist and is looking forward to improving his win/loss record on clay at the Mutua Madrid Open 2021.

Currently, the 25-year-old Russian has a 10-18 record on a clay surface. Given his World No. 3 ranking, thid is shocking. Moreover, he has a 0-4 record at the biggest clay-court event, the French Open.

This year, Medvedev has set himself relatively achievable goals to prepare for Paris. He will begin his campaign in Madrid against qualifier Pierre-Hugues Herbert or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

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Daniil Medvedev targets a single match win in Madrid, Rome, and Paris

Daniil Medvedev opened up about his objectives for the clay season during the pre-event press conference. While his goals seem feeble, he is rightfully starting from the base.

“It’s the goal. I have to go step by step. My goal in Rome, Roland Garros, and here is to win at least one match in each tournament of these. Step by step,” Daniil said.

(All quotes are translated from Spanish to English via Google Translate)

However, the Australian Open 2021 finalist realized that he needed to clarify his target. Thus, he explained that he aims to play his best tennis even though he is not thinking about winning the title.

He continued, “It is true that when I go to a tournament, my goal is winning it. It is more difficult on gravel than on the hard court, so I will adapt and try my best. I will try to play good tennis and have a chance of winning.”

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How will the Mutua Madrid Open 2021 courts help Medvedev?

Medvedev is one of the tallest tennis players on the ATP Tour and will have an edge in Madrid. He added that he had won a few matches two years ago and needs to find the confidence that he has on hard courts.

Moreover, the Mutua Madrid Open courts are similar to hard courts. Therefore, Daniil already feels confident going into the tournament.

“The altitude can help me. Madrid is more comparable to the hard court because the gravel is fast, and with the altitude, the service goes fast. That makes me feel more comfortable before starting the tournament,” the Russian ended.

Madrid is looking promising for the second-seeded Russian. Only time will tell if Medvedev can find his luck on the clay courts this year.

Also Read: Mutua Madrid Open 2021 Draw and Bracket: Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem in the Same Half, Daniil Medvedev Handed an Easy Path