"Wherever I played, crowd was fully for Rafael Nadal" - Daniil Medvedev recalls US Open 2019 final as 'only' time crowd cheered for him over Spaniard
Daniil Medvedev revisited his clash against Rafael Nadal in the 2019 US Open final after reaching the quarterfinals of the 2024 edition of the Major. The Russian expressed his fondness for the New York crowd, highlighting their tendency to cheer for the underdog.
Medvedev squared off against Nuno Borges in the fourth round of the US Open, claiming a dominant 6-0, 6-1, 6-3 win over the Portuguese in an hour and 51 minutes to advance to the quarterfinals. The Russian, who lost to Novak Djokovic in the final last year, has reached the title clash at Flushing Meadows on two other occasions as well.
After suffering a narrow 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 loss to Rafael Nadal in the 2019 final, the World No. 5 defeated Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the 2021 final to clinch his maiden Grand Slam title.
During his on-court interview with Nick Kyrgios, Daniil Medvedev disclosed that he loved playing before the crowd at Flushing Meadows, reminiscing about how the crowd's support turned in his favor when he was trailing by two sets against Nadal in the 2019 final. The 28-year-old revealed that it was the "only place" he had ever received more cheers than the Spaniard.
"I love it. I love to play here. I mean, crazy 2019 run, but especially the final against Rafa. To be honest, wherever I played him, the crowd was fully for him. I played him once during Covid and there was nobody and I felt like the crowd was still for him," Daniil Medvedev said.
"But here was the only place, I was 2-0 down, break down and suddenly all the crowd was like, 'Okay, we want to continue the match,'" he added.
Medvedev also declared the US Open as his favorite tournament and New York as his favorite city to compete in.
"That's what happens when you're 2-0 up, they always go for your opponent so you're like 'Maybe I should've lost in the beginning to try to get them for me.' But no, I love New York, my favorite tournament to play in, my favorite city to play in," he said.
Daniil Medvedev to face Jannik Sinner or Tommy Paul in US Open QF
Following his win over Nuno Borges, Daniil Medvedev will take on the winner of the match between top seed Jannik Sinner and home favorite Tommy Paul in a blockbuster quarterfinal clash at the 2024 US Open.
Looking forward to the duo's highly anticipated encounter, Medvedev praised Paul as an "unbelievable" player and reflected on his closely contested battles against Sinner, anticipating a difficult clash regardless of who advances to the final eight between them.
"I'm going to watch, but probably like till midnight, then I sleep so let's see what time they finish. This could be a late one. Tommy has been playing unbelievable this year. I played him two times and he honestly should've beaten me two times, I managed to get him one time," Daniil Medvedev said in the same on-court interview.
"But yeah, I think it's going to be a great match. With Jannik, we've had some unbelievable battles. If I play him, it's probably going to be physical for both of us. Anyway, no matter who it is, first of all, guys enjoy and I'm looking forward," he added.
Daniil Medvedev enjoys a 7-5 lead in his head-to-head record against Jannik Sinner, including a 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-3 win in their most recent meeting in the 2024 Wimbledon quarterfinals. However, the World No. 1 emerged victorious in both their hardcourt meetings this season, beating the Russian in the Australian Open final and Miami Open semifinals.
Medvedev also holds a 3-1 winning record against Tommy Paul. While the World No. 5 edged past Paul in the semifinals of this year's Indian Wells Masters, the American avenged his loss in their latest encounter at the Italian Open.