Daniil Medvedev says he is not buying Rafael Nadal’s comments that he is not a favorite for the upcoming tournaments as the Russian tennis star highlights that there will always be something about the Spaniard on clay that makes rivals fear.
After missing almost the entire 2023 season, Nadal suffered an injury in his first very first tournament back and didn’t play again until last week, when he returned in Barcelona. In Barcelona, Nadal started with a win Flavio Cobolli before losing to Alex de Minaur.
This week, Nadal is already showing signs of improvement as he ousted Darwin Blanch 6-1 6-0 before also getting his revenge over de Minaur.
Rafael Nadal © Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill
But when asked about his expectations, former world No. 1 Nadal has kept it pretty humble and insisted that just being able to compete and being competitive on the court is enough.
Medvedev, who has also been through to the Madrid third round, doesn’t really agree that Nadal shouldn’t be considered a favorite.
Medvedev on Nadal on clay: There is always fear
“When I saw his statements in Barcelona, in which he said that he was not a favorite, I thought that, really, this is not determined by his state of form because the moment Rafa [Nadal] sets foot on a clay court, all his rivals, we are still afraid,” Medvedev said.
“It’s like that. We are still afraid of him and he showed why against [Alex] De Minaur, being able to play for two hours and win every day, he will definitely feel better.
“I think it will be very dangerous to see his progress. As fun for the fans as it is difficult for the rest of the players.”
Daniil Medvedev © Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill
On Monday, both Medvedev and Nadal will be in action at Caja Magica. Medvedev will be playing against Sebastian Korda in the third round, while Nadal plays against Pedro Cachin.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login