Despite succumbing to an unexpected defeat in his initial match at Miami’s Masters 1000 event, Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 US Open title holder, remains unfazed. The Russian tennis star fell to Spanish clay court pro Jaume Munar, marking the latter’s second major victory on a hard court.
Medvedev, reflecting on his surprising loss, revealed his lack of significant concerns about his overall performance. He pointed to his commendable displays at Dubai and Indian Wells as evidence of his ability to triumph when he’s playing well. However, he conceded that the current dynamics of the tour are less favorable to his game, making it more challenging for him to secure victories, particularly against opponents having a good day.
Previously, a good day for Medvedev would often translate to a win, regardless of his opponent’s form. However, the landscape has shifted slightly, and the Russian star acknowledged this change in his post-match commentary.
Medvedev’s recent performances include reaching the quarter-finals in Dubai, where he lost to Tallon Griekspoor despite having a match point, and advancing to the semi-finals at Indian Wells, where he was defeated by Holger Rune.
During the match against Munar, it was apparent that Medvedev was grappling with back issues, managing to win just 61% of first-serve points and a mere 45% of second-serve points. The former world number one admitted his physical condition was not at its peak but commended his opponent for exploiting this vulnerability to secure a convincing win.
Medvedev’s defeat to Munar cost him 390 ranking points, pushing him down to the tenth position in the live rankings. This could lead to him dropping out of the world’s top 10 for the first time since February 2023 if Holger Rune manages to defeat Reilly Opelka in Miami.
On the prospect of a ranking drop, Medvedev expressed stoicism, noting that such fluctuations are part of the game. He admitted that his performance over the past year might not have been up to par if he does fall out of the top 10. However, he pledged to continue giving his best on the court.
Post-match, Munar expressed satisfaction with his performance, attributing his victory to his hard work and comfort on hard courts. He conceded feeling some pressure towards the end but was ultimately pleased with his performance.
Medvedev, undeterred by his physical challenges and recent defeat, is looking forward to the clay season. His last title was on clay, and he is keen to replicate that success. Despite the shifting dynamics on the tour and his recent loss, Medvedev remains a formidable force in the tennis world, ready to continue his quest for victory.
