Miami Open: 'It makes you better' - Daniil Medvedev enjoying trying to 'catch' Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner
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Published 22/03/2024 at 09:12 GMT
Daniil Medvedev is ranked No. 4 in the world and looks the closest challenger to young stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Ahead of starting his Miami Open title defence, he has spoken about the challenge of trying to keep pace with the pair. Medvedev also revealed that for him the "result is the most important" thing ahead of playing "beautiful" tennis.
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Daniil Medvedev is relishing the challenge of trying to “catch” Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as the young pair bid to continue their domination of men’s tennis.
Alcaraz, 20, and Sinner, 22, have shared the two biggest titles this year – the Australian Open and Indian Wells – and look like the leaders of the next generation on the ATP Tour.
At 28, Medvedev has a few years on both Alcaraz and Sinner, but has shown the form to suggest he could be their closest rival when Novak Djokovic, 36, retires.
"I'm trying to catch them here and there," Medvedev said about Alcaraz and Sinner ahead of his Miami Open title defence.
"But for me, it's always a good challenge when we have these young guys coming up, it makes you only better.
"The more I will play, the more young guys will come, and the more I'll try to adapt my game and that's what I'm trying to do right now."
Alcaraz in particular has emerged as a big fan favourite thanks to his electrifying playing style and numerous highlight-reel shots.
Medvedev does not always thrill in the same way, but says winning for him is the most important thing.
"I think it's in every sport when you play defensively, people want to see the shots," he said.
"As soon as Carlos came on the tour, he gained a lot of fans because he crushes the ball.
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2024 BNP Paribas Open champion Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) congratulates runner-up Daniil Medvedev (RUS) during a speech after an ATP finals tennis match played on March 17, 2024 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, CA.
Image credit: Getty Images
"For me, the result is the most important, it's more important than to, let's say, be beautiful on the court.
"When players can mix it up, it's in my opinion even more beautiful."
Medvedev will face Marton Fucsovics in his first match at the Miami Open. He has a 14-3 record for the season and is aiming to win his first title of 2024.
“I had two days of practice, I’m feeling quite well on the court,” Medvedev said.
“Normally, I like the court here, especially last year. It was pretty fast and this year it seems fast too, but I haven’t played on Stadium yet. I like Miami, I’m ready to play and hopefully I can play good tennis.
“Never easy when you play late at the [previous] tournament to go straight to another one. But at the same time, you gain confidence by making the final, so I feel ready.”
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