Daniil Medvedev aims to regain peak performance for Canadian Open

Posted : 09 August 2023

Daniil Medvedev has expressed a slight sense of pressure as he enters the Canadian Open, yet he remains in high spirits and feels exceptionally comfortable on his preferred surface in the lead-up to the US Open. Having clinched the Canadian Open title in 2021, Medvedev's first match will be against qualifier Matteo Arnaldi. The former US Open champion aims to regain his peak performance as he readies himself for the final Grand Slam of the 2023 season.

If Medvedev could encapsulate a segment of the tennis season, replicate it, and extend it throughout the entire year, it would undoubtedly be the North American hard-court summer. His affinity for hard courts is widely recognized – he has secured 18 out of his 20 tour-level titles on this surface. Furthermore, this period of the year has consistently witnessed some of his most impressive tennis performances.

In 2019, he reached the final of the Canadian Open and clinched his inaugural Masters title in Cincinnati. Fast forward two years, and he reached a zenith by winning the Canadian Open, progressing to the semifinals in Cincinnati, and triumphing over Novak Djokovic to claim his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open. Even in the previous summer, despite a slight dip in his career trajectory, he managed to make it to the semifinals in Cincinnati.

Given his previous accomplishments across Canada, Cincinnati, and New York, it's natural for him to experience "a small pressure" as he embarks on this summer journey. Medvedev acknowledges his affinity for these tournaments and the need to excel in them, stating, "I love to play all these tournaments, I played them very well many times. But it's a small pressure because I know that I want to do well here."

The ATP Canadian Open is taking place in Toronto this year, while the WTA event is being held in Montreal. Medvedev's debut appearance in Toronto in 2018 saw him reach the third round, defeating 13th seed Jack Sock and local favorite Felix Auger-Aliassime. In his subsequent appearance in Toronto in 2021, he triumphantly lifted the title, solidifying his affection for the tournament.

Reflecting on his current form, Medvedev has already secured hard-court titles this year in Rotterdam, Doha, Dubai, and Miami. He has also demonstrated versatility by winning his first clay title in Rome and making it to the Wimbledon semifinals on grass. Nonetheless, he remains most at home on hard courts. He emphasizes, "I’m really happy because that's just my favourite surface, so I feel great on it. I feel like my game suits it very well."

Expressing a sense of fluidity and comfort on hard courts, Medvedev believes that his body performs optimally on this surface. While he acknowledges the competitiveness and potential challenges, he maintains his joy in playing on hard courts and looks forward to the upcoming matches.

Medvedev, the second seed, will commence the tournament against qualifier Matteo Arnaldi. Fans were treated to an exciting practice session between Medvedev and top seed Carlos Alcaraz over the weekend. While they may not practice together frequently due to their rivalry, Medvedev found the session enjoyable and productive, indicating that both players derived benefit from the experience.

Daniil Medvedev aims to regain peak performance for Canadian Open

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics