No Clear Favourite For Medvedev In Fast Turin Conditions
Defending champion Daniil Medvedev believes that the conditions at the Pala Alpitour in Turin are among the fastest on the ATP Tour, leaving no clear favourite for the Nitto ATP Finals.
“I think I prefer fast conditions, but this is probably the fastest I’ve ever faced on the ATP Tour,” said Medvedev, who beat Hubert Hurkacz 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 in their first Green Group match on Sunday.
“I don’t think it’s the surface itself, because it’s probably the same as in London. But I think it’s a combination of the air, which is drier here. The ball goes very fast through the air. The balls are fast and… in the match, I was barely under pressure on my serve against a great returner.”
The Russian beat Dominic Thiem in last year’s title match at The O2 in London, but feels that he may have his work cut out this week to retain The Brad Drewett Trophy.
“I know I won in London last year, it was still the Nitto ATP Finals, but everything is different [in Turin], the venue and hotel,” said Medvedev. “I feel that there may be a new winner in Turin.”
With a three-set victory over Hurkacz in just over two hours, Medvedev insists he now wants to watch the matches to see how his rivals cope with the court speed.
“It was super-fast,” said Medvedev, who warmed up for the match with Swiss Jerome Kym. “I want to watch the other three matches to see how they cope with the speed. For Hubi and I, it was a case of who makes one good shot in the point. I wonder if it’s the same for the other guys.”
[FOLLOW FINALS]At 6’6”, Medvedev moves very well, but the World No. 2 admitted that he wouldn’t win a 100-metre sprint between fellow ATP Tour players.
“When I did tests with the [Russian] Federation, when I was younger, I never did well,” said Medvedev. “I didn’t have good coordination to have a fast start and follow my pace in 100 metres, as it’s so different to what we’re doing on a court.
“I’d want to put [Alex] de Minaur there as he is super-fast, and Gael Monfils is impossible to hit winners against, as he is so explosive. I’m not sure if Novak would be good at 100 metres, but I may be mistaken!”
Medvedev has compiled a 55-12 record with four tour-level titles this season, including the US Open crown (d. Djokovic).