Following his inaugural victory at the Indian Wells Masters, Russian tennis sensation, Daniil Medvedev, humorously lambasted the desert’s hard courts as the “slowest ever.” This unexpected quip came after the tournament switched from Plexiclave to Laykold courts, the latter being the same surface utilized at the Miami Open and the US Open.
Medvedev, a former world No. 1, was among the first to comment on the change. However, contrary to what journalists anticipated, he stated these courts felt even slower than their predecessors. His initial interaction with the new surface saw him triumph over Bu Yunchaokete, securing a 6-2 6-2 victory in just 96 minutes.
Subsequent to his win, the fifth-seeded player took a cheeky dig at the court’s speed, signing off on the camera with “Very fast :D” – the emoji symbolizing his playful tone. This jesting remark ignited laughter and curiosity, leading to an on-court interview where the subject of the court’s speed was broached once more.
When asked if his comment signified that the desert courts had become quicker, the 29-year-old star was unequivocal. “It’s probably the slowest court I’ve ever played in my life,” he stated. Medvedev acknowledged that perspectives about the speed of the court could vary, with other players like Sascha or Casper perhaps deeming it fast. However, he personally found the speed exceedingly slow, possibly the slowest he’s ever encountered.
Despite his critique, Medvedev has exhibited proficiency on the Indian Wells court. He remains optimistic about his performance, stating, “It’s always been the case at Indian Wells and I managed to plan good here. I’m looking forward.”
The Russian tennis maestro is set to face off against up-and-coming American star, Alex Michelsen, in a bid for a spot in the round of 16. Intriguingly, this will be the first encounter between the two on the court, adding another layer of anticipation to the upcoming match.