"Every match is a struggle... I feel 0 pleasure" - Daniil Medvedev takes his frustration out on balls used at ATP Finals after Taylor Fritz loss
Daniil Medvedev commented on his struggles during training and matches following his loss to Taylor Fritz in their ATP Finals 2024 opener. He also expressed frustration on the type of balls being used on the tour.
Medvedev double-faulted an agonizing three times in the opening set and lost 4-6. While he did show some flashes of brilliance, the Russian looked in all sorts of trouble even in the second set before breaking the serve to take a 4-2 lead.
However, he received a point penalty for smashing his racquet at the end of the previous game. Frustrated with the decision, the 2021 US Open Champion ended up causing some damage to the microphone, drawing another penalty from the chair umpire.
Medvedev ended the match with eight double faults contributing to his 24 unforced errors, and acknowledged that he was struggling mentally during the post-match conference.
"I have this every day, day in, day out, since like two, three years. Every practice is a struggle. Every match is a struggle. I was holding for long time. Now I feel zero pleasure of being on the court. So no surprise at all about the match today," he said.
The Russian also seemed frustrated with the balls used during the match, saying everyone could stay in the long rallies with those and it was no surprise that Fritz did stay and win.
"Not at all. The balls make that everyone can do it now. So not at all surprised," Daniil Medvedev replied when asked whether he was surprised by American winning the long rallies.
Medvedev also added that while he was at a disadvantage because of the balls, he was trying to find solutions during the match but didn't manage to do so against the World No.5.
"As I say, I feel like I'm in a big disadvantage, but I need to do something with it. For the moment, I couldn't find the exact way, like I can find the way through some matches like Shanghai, Beijing, even US Open. I can fight my way. I can try to find solutions during the match," he added.
Daniil Medvedev's next matches at the ATP Finals 2024
Daniil Medvedev will take on World No. 8 Alex De Minaur in his next group stage match at the 2024 ATP Finals on November 12. The pair have met nine times in their career so far with the Russian emerging triumphant on six occasions. And despite his struggles in his first match, Medvedev will be favored for the win against the Australian.
He will take on World No.1 Jannik Sinner in his final match of the group stage on November 13. The pair have faced off 14 times over their careers, each winning seven times to set up an exciting clash, a nail-biting one if Medvedev regains his best form.