"I think Daniil Medvedev, with his record, does deserve to be No. 1 - he is a champion and it's hard to find any weaknesses in him" - Chris Evert
Tennis legend Chris Evert has described Daniil Medvedev as a "champion" and believes it is hard to find any weaknesses in his game. The 18-time Grand Slam champion feels the Russian deserves to be the ATP World No. 1 based on his record.
The 26-year-old overtook Novak Djokovic to become the top-ranked men's player for the first time in his career last week. He is the first player besides the 'Big Four' of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray to hold No. 1 position since Andy Roddick in 2004.
The reigning US Open champion lost to Nadal in a thrilling five-set contest in the final of the 2022 Australian Open in January. He was then beaten by the Spaniard again in straight sets in the last four of the Mexican Open in Acapulco last month.
Last week, the ITF, ATP and WTA took action against Russian and Belarusian players in response to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Players from the two nations are allowed to continue playing on the men's and women's tours and at Grand Slam events, but not under the name or flag of their respective countries "until further notice."
World No.1 Daniil Medvedev hopes suspension of Russia's flag is temporary and it will be back soon.
Tennis governing bodies had suspended Russia's team and flags due to #RussiaUkraineWar
Should Russian flag be allowed?🤔
#Russia #Ukraine #DaniilMedvedev #Tennis https://t.co/jlBHGe3HmV
In a conversation with Eurosport, Evert expressed sympathy for players from the three countries directly involved in the conflict.
"I feel for any of the players who have come from that part of the world and who have family and roots, whether it's in Russia or Ukraine or Belarus," said Evert. It's got to be a big burden for these players to carry around while they're trying to compete."
"In order to compete at the highest level, you usually have to be focused on your tennis, and this isn't the case," Evert continued. "So, we have to have some understanding if these players don't exactly do as well as they're used to, that there's just so many more important things going on in their life than a tennis match."
The American then asserted that Medvedev is a worthy World No. 1, while lauding his game and the results he has achieved.
"In saying that, I think Medvedev, with his record, does deserve to be number one. He is a champion," added the American. "He's grown into being comfortable with big wins on big stages and his game has really developed. And it's hard to find any weaknesses in him."
Daniil Medvedev will face Gael Monfils in the third round of the 2022 Indian Wells Masters
Daniil Medvedev will face World No. 28 Gael Monfils in the third round of the 2022 Indian Wells Masters. The Russian defeated Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic 6-3, 6-2 in the second round in his first match since becoming World No. 1.
The 26-year-old needs to reach the quarterfinals of the ATP Masters 1000 event to prevent Novak Djokovic from reclaiming the ATP top spot following the tournament. Medvedev holds a 1-1 record against Monfils, with both of their previous meetings coming on indoor hardcourts in 2019.
Holding Strong 💪
Quick work for @DaniilMedwed as he defeats qualifier Machac 6-3 6-2!
The World No. 1 gets the winner of Krajinovic/Monfils next! #IndianWells https://t.co/dvgQC6yRWb