"Does he win 10 Grand Slams, 5, or 23 and maybe he beats the record" - Daniil Medvedev in awe of Indian Wells final opponent Carlos Alcaraz
Daniil Medvedev heaped praise on Carlos Alcaraz ahead of their title clash in Indian Wells.
Medvedev booked his place in the BNP Paribas Open final by beating 14th seed Frances Tiafoe 7-5, 7-6(4). It was the Russian's 19th win in a row and he now has a chance to win his fourth successive title.
Standing between Medvedev and the glittering Indian Wells trophy is young Alcaraz, who reached his third Masters 1000 final after defeating 11th seed Jannik Sinner 7-6(4), 6-3 in the semifinals.
Asked about the Spaniard (when he was still playing Sinner) in his post-match press conference, Medvedev lavished praise on him. He expressed his surprise at how quickly the 19-year-old was able to attain success and become the World No. 1.
"Carlos, when he was there at like 17, I was, like, Wow, this guy, he's strong, but you never know, sometimes guy hits strong and then makes a lot of unforced. Let's see how he does. Then in one year he's No. 1 in the world. There are matches where he doesn't miss much, hitting just stronger than his opponents," Medvedev said.
The Russian also spoke about Alcaraz's run at the Madrid Masters, where he beat Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, and also brought in the possibility of him breaking the Grand Slam record.
"That's like surprising or amusing to see, because, well, you're like, If this guy is on fire, what can you do? I remember Madrid I didn't watch the matches but when he beat Rafa and Novak back to back on clay, that's amazing at 18 years old. So he has amazing skills," said Medvedev.
"The question is, we know that he knows how to use them. Then the question comes, does he win 10 Grand Slams, 5, or 23 and maybe he beats the record" he continued.
Daniil Medvedev said that he would enjoy facing Alcaraz in Sunday's final and stated that while the surface would be better for the Spaniard, he would try to produce his best tennis.
"It's going to be enjoyable to see and enjoyable to play against him. That's why, if he's the winner, I'm gonna be, yeah, it's going to be great to play him, especially I'm feeling confident now. I think surface is better for him, but I'm gonna try my best to show my best tennis and hopefully have a great final," the Russian said.
Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev set for second tour meeting when they meet in Indian Wells
The BNP Paribas Open final will be only the second time Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev will face one another. Their previous meeting came in the second round of the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, with Medvedev comfortably beating the then-18-year-old 6-4, 6-1, 6-2.
Victory for Alcaraz will see him reclaim the World No. 1 ranking from Novak Djokovic, while also becoming the first Spanish champion in Indian Wells since Rafael Nadal in 2013.
Medvedev will become the first Russian man to win the BNP Paribas Open if he comes out on top on Sunday.