Daniil Medvedev continues shading Indian Wells, calls Miami Open the "real hardcourt"
Daniil Medvedev termed Miami the "real hardcourt" after winning his fourth title of the season at the Miami Masters on Sunday, April 2.
Contesting his fifth title match in as many tournaments, the former World No. 1 made a slow start, conceding an early break, against Jannik Sinner.
From 5-5, Medvedev reeled off four straight games to go up a set and a break, and take control of the match. Sinner got back on serve only to relinquish it immediately as the Russian served out a tour-leading 29th match win and fourth title of the year.
Medvedev's 19-match win streak was ended by Carlos Alcaraz in the Indian Wells final a fortnight ago, but the Russian returned to winning ways in Miami by romping to the title.
Lauding the facilities, atmosphere, and court at the Hard Rock Stadium, Medvedev took a potshot at Indian Wells by calling Miami the "real hardcourt" in his on-court interview:
"I would like to thank everyone who made this tournament possible. All the sponsors, ball kids, everyone from A to B. I love, I love playing on tour, love the organisation. So, yeah, just amazing tournament, amazing city. And I really enjoyed it. These two weeks, I would not focus on it too much. Otherwise I repeat myself."
He then added:
"But as you can see guys, sometimes I can handle myself and be calm on the court when I feel like it's a real hardcourt. So, thanks a lot to, I don't know who makes this decision, but thanks a lot to, to everyone who made this such part this year. I was yeah, really happy to play on it."
Daniil Medvedev could not win the Sunshine Double but is the first player in three years to reach back-to-back Masters 1000 finals.
"I love Miami, and hopefully, see you next year" - Daniil Medvedev
Playing their second final against each other in three months, Medvedev once again got the better of Sinner. The pair had clashed in the Rotterdam final in February, where the Russian reigned supreme to deny Sinner a title defense.
Reasserting his love for the city, the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, and fans, Medvedev also said:
"There's definitely a lot of people there, and I feel like every match from the first match, one time I played here, I started after midnight. So I thought there's gonna be no one and there was a lot of people. So, yeah, people in Miami love tennis. I love people in Miami. I love Miami and thanks a lot guys, and hopefully, see you next year."
With his Miami exploits, Daniil Medvedev will return to the top four in ATP Rankings on Monday.