Daniil Medvedev says he’s not shopping for Rafael Nadal’s feedback that he’s not a favourite for the upcoming tournaments because the Russian tennis star highlights that there’ll at all times be one thing concerning the Spaniard on clay that makes rivals concern.
After lacking virtually your complete 2023 season, Nadal suffered an damage in his first very first event again and did not play once more till final week, when he returned in Barcelona. In Barcelona, Nadal began with a win Flavio Cobolli earlier than dropping to Alex de Minaur.
This week, Nadal is already displaying indicators of enchancment as he ousted Darwin Blanch 6-1 6-0 earlier than additionally getting his revenge over de Minaur.
However when requested about his expectations, former world No. 1 Nadal has saved it fairly humble and insisted that simply having the ability to compete and being aggressive on the courtroom is sufficient.
Medvedev, who has additionally been by means of to the Madrid third spherical, does not actually agree that Nadal should not be thought-about a favourite.
Medvedev on Nadal on clay: There’s at all times concern
“After I noticed his statements in Barcelona, by which he mentioned that he was not a favourite, I assumed that, actually, this isn’t decided by his state of type as a result of the second Rafa [Nadal] units foot on a clay courtroom, all his rivals, we’re nonetheless afraid,” Medvedev mentioned.
“It is like that. We’re nonetheless afraid of him and he confirmed why in opposition to [Alex] De Minaur, having the ability to play for 2 hours and win day-after-day, he will certainly really feel higher.
“I feel it will likely be very harmful to see his progress. As enjoyable for the followers as it’s tough for the remainder of the gamers.”
On Monday, each Medvedev and Nadal will likely be in motion at Caja Magica. Medvedev will likely be taking part in in opposition to Sebastian Korda within the third spherical, whereas Nadal performs in opposition to Pedro Cachin.
