"When you play a Grand Slam, it's always good to not have these biggest names ... Novak, Rafa it's crazy how they play here" - Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev has opined that it's better not to have "big" names like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the draw at Grand Slams, as they tend to play "crazily" at these tournaments.
The Russian endured a second-round exit in Geneva in his first match in six weeks after undergoing a hernia surgery in April. He will now head to the French Open hoping to replicate his quarterfinal run from last year.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, the Russian said the presence of players like Djokovic and Nadal only made things more difficult for him and his fellow youngsters.
"When you play a Grand Slam, it's always good to not have these biggest names. And when I say "biggest names," of course we know Novak, Rafa, Roland Garros, it's crazy how they play here," Medvedev said.
Hi everyone. The last months I have been playing with a small hernia. Together with my team I have decided to have a small procedure done to fix the problem. I will likely be out for the next 1 - 2 months and will work hard to be back on court soon. Thanks for all the support.
Nadal (13 titles) and Djokovic (2 titles) have won all but two of the last 17 Roland Garros titles on offer. Roger Federer (2009) and Stan Wawrinka (2015) are the only other players to have won the tournament in this period.
Nadal, Djokovic and teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz have been drawn in the top half of the draw. This means Daniil Medvedev will only meet one of them en route to the title.
"It's good from one side to have them on the other side of the draw. At the same time, me, even more than other tournaments, I have to focus on myself," the Russian added.
"A lot of clay court, good clay court players. I'm playing one of them first round, lefty, likes to spin the ball. Need to prepare this one and I'm going to take every match by match. If I manage to meet one of them in the draw means I made a good tournament. So hopefully I can see one of them in the second week."
The World No. 2 will begin his campaign against Argentine Facundo Bagnis.
"I love the French Open, I have had some tough moments in terms of results" - Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev lost his first four matches at Roland Garros before making the quarterfinals last year.
Despite his early struggles at Roland Garros, Medvedev said that he loves the French Open and playing in France.
Wildest match point of the year? 😵
@steftsitsipas makes it back-to-back semi-finals at #RolandGarros, defeating Medvedev 6-3, 7-6(3), 7-5. https://t.co/dCMdCvhUwc
"I love the French Open. I have had some tough moments in terms of results. Last year, even though we didn't have much of a crowd we had some atmosphere and I loved it. I enjoyed it very much. I played well. It was a pleasure being here this year, and we might have a full crowd. I'm really happy to be here. I love playing in France."
It remains to be seen how the Russian will fare in the tournament after playing just one match on clay this season.