Tennis News

Medvedev: At Home In Monte-Carlo, But Not On Clay

Second seed Daniil Medvedev should feel comfortable playing at home in Monte-Carlo, right?

The Russian lives and trains in the south of France, and works with a French coach, Gilles Cervara. He took questions in English and French ahead of his fourth appearance at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, where the 10-time titlist is seeking his first ATP Masters 1000 crown on clay. 

“[I’m] really happy to be here. I like the tournament. Played good once here,” Medvedev said. “[I] can stay at home, which helps with all the bubbles and everything. [I’m] really lucky to be able to stay at home this week.

“It’s very unfortunate that we won’t have any fans, but now all the club is for us. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful tournaments in the world right now.”

Unfortunately, that’s where the sense of comfort ends for Medvedev in Monte-Carlo. The Russian is famously averse to the terre battue, a fact that he was not shy about in his pre-tournament press conference.

“Honestly, there’s nothing I like on clay,” Medvedev said with a wry smile. “There’s always bad bounces, you’re dirty after playing. I really don’t enjoy playing on clay.”

That’s not to say Medvedev hasn’t been working hard to improve his game, or that he hasn’t had any big results on the surface.

Nothing boosts confidence like defeating Novak Djokovic at a Masters 1000 event, and that’s exactly what Medvedev accomplished in 2019 at this very venue. The Russian surprised even himself with a run to the semi-finals (l. Lajovic), his best result on clay to date.

“After what happened two years ago, I know I can play well on this court,” Medvedev said. “Every time I practise on clay, after I play my match, I try to do my best, but it’s difficult for me.”

Medvedev, who has yet to win a match at Roland-Garros in four appearances, revealed that adapting his game to clay has always been a challenge. For the Russian, a cerebral thinker on the tennis court, it’s just as much of a mental puzzle as it is a tactical one.

“Mentally I think for me the most important is going to be to know that some shots that maybe would be winners or which I would win the point on hard courts, it’s definitely not the case on clay courts,” he explained. “You need to do maybe three good shots, one of which would be enough on hard courts. That’s tough sometimes for me to understand.”

Tactically, the Russian’s game also works against him on clay. Whereas on hard courts, Medvedev has made a habit of finding a way to win even on his worst days by falling into his go-to patterns and leaning on his backhand, on clay it’s a different story.

“If I play [on clay] like on hard courts, it’s not that amazing with my flat strokes,” he explained. “[I’m] working on putting some more spin, some more trajectory… All of this is tough because for nine or 10 months, I’m playing like I’m used to. Then I have to change it for two months, still keeping the things that I do well also. You cannot change [your] game completely.”

Second seed Medvedev will be ready to give the clay another chance as he begins his quest for a maiden clay-court Masters 1000 trophy against Filip Krajinovic or Nikoloz Basilashvili. He has landed in 11-time champion Rafael Nadal’s half of the draw. But with no points to defend during the clay swing, if Medvedev can find his footing he could challenge Djokovic for the No.1 spot in the FedEX ATP Rankings.

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Carreno Busta Wins First Title At Home In Marbella

Pablo Carreno Busta won his first ATP Tour title at home on Sunday, defeating fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 to claim the AnyTech365 Andalucia Open trophy in Marbella.

The top seed clinched his 200th tour-level victory by defeating the 23-year-old in the championship match. Carreno Busta needed to summon all of his experience to triumph after two hours and 21 minutes.

“I suffered like yesterday trying to continue fighting all the time… I needed to do it if I wanted to win this kind of match,” Carreno Busta said. “It’s a pleasure to win a title here in Spain, in Marbella. For me, it’s very special. It’s my fifth title, so I’m very, very happy for the victory.”

Former World No. 1 Bjorn Borg, whose son Leo Borg competed in qualifying at this event, was on court for the trophy ceremony. The Swedish legend had plenty of praise for both players.

“We saw a great final today with two great players and great tennis,” Borg said. “I think everybody agrees with me on that.”

“It’s an honour to have Bjorn and also Manolo Santana here,” Carreno Busta said. “It’s very special to us to play in front of these legends and it’s always a pleasure to hear these words from them.”

The level reached its peak towards the end of the match, with both men hitting sensational shots under an incredible amount of pressure. From magical drop shots to jaw-dropping half-volleys, they certainly showed their racquet skills on the Spanish clay.

“I started really good, really focussed, being very aggressive,” Carreno Busta said. “After that I missed a little bit and Jaume started to play better and at the end.”

Now a five-time ATP Tour titlist, Carreno Busta was relentless in his pursuit of the win. At 4-4 in the decider, Munar fought hard to avoid losing serve. But on his seventh break point of the game, the favourite finally made good on his opportunity, blasting a backhand return up the line from deep in the court to force an error from his younger adversary.

Carreno Busta earned 17 break points in the match. Although he was unable to convert just four of them, it was enough to claim his first title since Chengdu in 2019. He earned 250 FedEx ATP Rankings points.

Next Gen ATP Finals alumnus Munar put forth a tremendous effort in his maiden ATP Tour final. The World No. 95 scratched and clawed no matter what Carreno Busta threw at him, but it was not enough to earn his first crown at this level. The World No. 15 was just a bit better on the day.

Munar, who captured 150 points, was comfortable in Marbella, where he is now 12-3 on the ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Tour combined. He reached Challenger finals at this venue in 2020 and 2021 before his impressive run this week.

Did You Know?
This was the first all-Spanish final on the ATP Tour since 11 February 2018, when Roberto Carballes Baena defeated Albert Ramos-Vinolas in Quito.

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A Bad Omen For Nadal's Opponents: 'I Am Confident'

Almost two months after his quarter-final loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Australian Open, Rafael Nadal shared his confidence ahead of his return to action at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.

The 11-time champion will be competing in just his second event of the year after recovering from a recent back injury. But despite his lack of match practice, Nadal is entering the clay-court ATP Masters 1000 event with a positive outlook on his game.

“I am good. Honestly, I am confident. I am playing well,” said Nadal. “I [have been] practising well [during the past] couple of days here in Monte-Carlo before the tournament starts. I feel ready.

“It’s true that I didn’t play much. At the same time, [it] is true that I had good success in the past without playing much. My mindset is the same as always. I just try to be ready… Going day by day. Tomorrow, [I have] another practice. I [am] just trying to be ready for the first match.”

Nadal will aim to compile another memorable run of results during this year’s European clay swing. The 34-year-old owns a 71-5 record in Monte-Carlo and is bidding to capture a 12th title at a single tour-level event for the second time. Nadal owns an all-time record 13 titles at Roland Garros.

“I love to play on clay, but I love to be here, [and at] Barcelona, Madrid, Rome [and] Roland Garros,” said Nadal. “I love these events… I will have the chance to play in places that I know very well, places that I have a great story with [at] every single event. For me, that’s important. [I am] just happy to enjoy another experience, another opportunity for me to compete in these historic places of our sport.”

The 20-time Grand Slam champion is not the only Nadal making his return to the ATP Tour this week. Nadal’s uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, has travelled to the Principality this week as part of #NextGenATP Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime’s coaching team.

“Toni has a lot of experience,” said Nadal. “He knows a lot about this sport. He has all the knowledge that somebody needs. I am sure that [is] going to be an important help for Felix.”

Ahead of the 2021 ATP Tour season, Auger-Aliassime spent more than a week training at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar in Mallorca. Nadal believes his uncle’s presence in Monte-Carlo this week will not only help the Canadian, but also himself. Toni Nadal ended his role as coach of his nephew at the conclusion of the 2017 ATP Tour season.

“I am happy for Felix. [It] is going to be a good support, [to] have a great coach like Toni next to him,” Nadal said. “[I am] happy for myself, too. I am happy to see my uncle here, see him here, spend time with him here on the Tour again. That’s a positive thing.”

Nadal may get to spend more time with his uncle off the court this week, but he will be fully focussed on the task ahead. At one of the most successful events of his career, the five-time year-end World No. 1 will be keen to make his mark in his opening clay-court event of the year. Nadal will begin his 17th campaign in the Principality against Adrian Mannarino or a qualifier.

“[I] arrive [at] an important part of the season for me. I think I did the right work to be ready, so let’s see,” said Nadal. “[I still have] a couple of days of practice here, but [I am] happy [with] the way that I am playing.

“For the moment, my body is in good shape. I am excited about playing here in Monaco again, Monte-Carlo. As everybody knows, [this] is one of my favourite tournaments without a doubt. I love being here.”

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Goffin Finishes In Style In Monte-Carlo

David Goffin claimed the first win of this year’s Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters on Sunday when he charged to the finish line to defeat Marin Cilic 6-4, 3-6, 6-0 on Court Rainier III.

The Belgian converted six of the 18 break points he created to advance to the second round after two hours and 11 minutes. Goffin rallied from 0-3 down in the first set and benefitted from 52 Cilic unforced errors to improve his record at the Monte-Carlo Country Club to 11-7.

Goffin has regained the lead in his fiercely contested ATP Head2Head rivalry against Cilic. The 2017 semi-finalist owns a 5-4 record against Cilic and is now tied at 2-2 in clay meetings.

Goffin’s victory snapped a three-match losing streak for the 30-year-old, which dated back to last month’s Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha. The 11th seed will face a qualifier for a place in the third round.

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Sonego Fights Back To Complete Title Double In Cagliari

Lorenzo Sonego became the first Italian in 15 years to capture an ATP Tour title on home soil on Sunday at the Sardegna Open.

The third seed dug deep in the latter stages of the second set en route to a 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 victory over Laslo Djere of Serbia in just over three hours at the Tennis Club Cagliari.

“The match was long and I remained calm in the second-set tie-break,” Sonego told ATPTour.com. “I knew the match wasn’t finished because I had always kept fighting. It’s wonderful to win the title with all my team here. Now, I am really tired, but I am very happy. I am happy to follow in [Filippo] Volandri’s footsteps and win a title on home soil.”

Sonego, who ended Djere’s nine-match winning streak in Italy, is also the first player to capture singles and doubles titles in the same week since Feliciano Lopez at the 2019 cinch Championships in London. The 25-year-old Sonego partnered Andrea Vavassori to the Cagliari doubles title on Saturday.

Former World No. 25 Filippo Volandri was the last Italian to lift a tour-level trophy on home soil at Palermo (d. Lapentti) in October 2006. The last Italian to complete a title ‘double’ was Matteo Berrettini at the 2018 Swiss Open Gstaad.

Djere got off to the best possible start, breaking serve in the first game. He went on to save three break points in his first service game and took control of the pair’s third ATP Head2Head meeting with a superb backhand winner for a 5-2 advantage. Djere wrapped up the first set in 46 minutes, but Sonego soon responded.

The Italian’s patience was rewarded in the fourth game of the second set, when he used his backhand slice to vary the pace. Djere grew frustrated and he struck a forehand long at 1-2, 30/40. Sonego went on to take a 4-1 lead, but Djere struck back to win three straight games.

Under mounting pressure, Sonego managed to claw back three break points at 5-5, celebrating each point with a huge roar, in an impressive hold. He then dug deep in the tie-break, which turned in his favour when Djere struck a forehand long at 5/5. Sonego pumped his fist after a forehand volley winner that sealed the 81-minute second set.

Sonego appeared to be on course for his second ATP Tour title when he took a 3-1 lead, after he struck a deep backhand return that forced an error from Djere. The World No. 34 gained another break, when Djere overhit a forehand at 2-4, then later held his nerve with big serves to capture his first trophy since June 2019 at the Antalya Open (d. Kecmanovic).

Djere, also 25, had been hoping to claim his third title (2019 Rio de Janeiro, 2020 Sardinia). He is now 9-8 on the 2021 season.

“I have to congratulate Lorenzo on a great week,” said Djere. “It was a pleasure to be back in Sardinia and I had a great week again, even though it didn’t end the way I wanted it to. Nevertheless, it’s still a great week for me and I’m looking forward to the upcoming weeks on clay and the tournament in Belgrade.”

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Behar/Escobar Capture Marbella Doubles Crown

Ariel Behar and Gonzalo Escobar clinched their second ATP Tour title of 2021 on Sunday at the AnyTech365 Andalucia Open.

The Uruguayan and Ecuadorian team overcame Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Tomislav Brkic and Nikola Cacic of Serbia 6-2, 6-4 in 61 minutes at the Club de Tenis Puente Romano in Marbella. It avenged their loss in last month’s Argentina Open final, which Brkic and Cacic won 6-3, 7-5.

Behar and Escobar defeated second seeds Marcus Daniell and Philipp Oswald, and fourth seeds Luke Saville and John-Patrick Smith this week en route to their third ATP Tour team final.

Behar and Escobar captured their first trophy at the Delray Beach Open by VITACOST.com in January, beating American brothers Christian Harrison and Ryan Harrison 6-7(5), 7-6(4), 10-4 in the final.

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Alcaraz Aiming Higher: ‘I Came To Marbella To Learn’

Carlos Alcaraz is used to being the underdog in his matches. The 17-year-old Spaniard has competed against older, higher-ranked opponents as he contests his first tournaments at tour-level.

In Marbella, where he reached his first ATP semi-final in his sixth main draw appearance, he also learned to bottle down his nerves as he progressed further into the tournament – and the spotlight. 

But he never quite felt settled against countryman Jaume Munar in their hard-fought semi-final clash at the AnyTech365 Andalucia Open. More than just giving the hard-hitting teen a taste of his own medicine, Munar left Alcaraz without a Plan B for the first time this week to hand him a 7-6(4), 6-4 defeat.

“Munar is a great player. He played very well, and didn’t leave me with a lot of options,” Alcaraz reflected in his post-match press conference. “Nerves definitely had a role, because I wasn’t playing with clarity of thought. All I could think about was that I didn’t have any chances, that Munar was too solid – I was getting frustrated and wasn’t able to get out of it. 

“I was only thinking about how badly I was playing, or the mistakes, and not seeing beyond them. In this case, I was actually pushing Munar very hard. But all I could see was that I was making errors, errors, errors, and couldn’t look past that.”

It was a refreshingly mature self-assessment from the 17-year-old, who was bidding to become the youngest ATP Tour finalist since 17-year-old Rafael Nadal in Auckland in 2004. Armed with a big forehand and hailing from Spain, Alcaraz’s rapid rise has regularly drawn comparisons to Nadal.

Alcaraz showed the same fearless determination on court to take down two seeded opponents, Spaniard Feliciano Lopez and No. 26-ranked Casper Ruud. He delighted Spanish fans in Marbella with his electrifying forehand winners and never-say-die attitude. 

In the press room, another similarity to Nadal arose: rather than just hunting for positives, Alcaraz was determined to identify and correct his mistakes against Munar. An hour removed from the defeat, the loss still stung, but the Spaniard was already looking ahead. 

“Of course, it would have been great to win today and play an ATP Tour final. But now that I’m thinking about things with a little more calm, I’m leaving here with more experience and with good feelings,” he said. “You have to be able to look at the positive side of things. At the end of the day, I came here this week to learn and play some good matches, and I think I’ve been able to accomplish that.”

“There is something that I can learn from with this defeat,” Alcaraz added. “I have to learn from these situations, so the next time I am in a situation like this, hopefully it can go differently.”

Currently No. 132 in the FedEx ATP Rankings, the Spaniard is making strides toward another major milestone: a spot into the Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan at the end of the season. Alcaraz is set to break the Top 8 with his performance in Marbella, seeking to qualify for the first time.

“Being able to qualify for the Next Gen Finals would be a very positive thing,” Alcaraz said. “It’s a reflection of the high level and hard work that I’ve been doing throughout the year. I hope to continue doing things well, working hard, and playing at a high level.

“But especially I want to keep learning from all of my matches – from all the defeats, all the victories, I want to keep learning and being who I am. I’m enjoying the journey.”

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The Last Time With… Laslo Djere

Laslo Djere will try to win his third ATP Tour title on Sunday when he plays Lorenzo Sonego in the final of the Sardegna Open in Cagliari.

If the Serbian triumphs, it will be the third consecutive year in which he has earned tour-level glory. The World No. 57 said that he doesn’t have any specific goals.

“I don’t make strict goals so that I tell myself, ‘I want to do this and this this year [I want to do that],’” Djere said. “But I have in my mind an idea of the things which would [make] me happy and satisfied and fulfilled.”

It’s safe to say lifting another trophy would fit into those categories. ATPTour.com recently caught up with the 25-year-old, who revealed the last time…

I missed a flight?
Actually I missed once 2016, but it was in transit and our first flight was late, so that’s why. But otherwise, I’ve never missed a flight because I got late to the airport or something like that. I don’t get to the airport too early, but one and a half to two hours, probably. 

I lost something important?
I got a bracelet from my girlfriend last month, and so far I can’t find it. She knows, I’ve had it for a while. It’s not that I just lost it immediately.

I went to a sports event that was not tennis?
In 2019 [I went] to a basketball game in Serbia. It was I think February. I didn’t go [to games] so much but once in a while I go and I like it. Unfortunately I don’t have the time to do it on a regular basis.

My favourite player was Dwyane Wade, so I supported the team where he was playing so for 10 or so years it was Miami Heat. I liked the way he was playing his game, how he handled the tough moments, the clutch moments and shots and how he was behaving. He was a fighter and you could see that fire inside of him. I really liked that kind of mentality and everything. Now I support LeBron James and the Lakers.

I achieved a big goal?
Last year winning Sardinia, it was my second ATP Tour title. But for something I did for the first time it was, I have to say, winning Rio – my first ATP title – breaking into maybe the Top 40. I was No. 37 after that tournament, so that was quite big for me.

I cooked for myself or someone else?
I do from time to time, but I’m not sure if I did it when I was at home before [travelling to] Argentina [in March]. Maybe I did an omelette or something like that for breakfast but nothing complicated. I mean I cook sometimes, dinner or something like that, but it’s not really that I really like it. But I really like to bake: some apple pie or brownies or cookies or some cheesecake, some things like that.

I met a childhood idol?
I can’t really remember. I mean when I was a kid maybe some tennis players that were my idols but I met them a long time ago I guess. Someone like Novak, I met him when I was a child. First I guess I saw him playing in the Davis Cup and that was also good for me and exciting. I can’t remember [the details] because I was really small and really young, but for sure it motivated me.

I paid to rent a tennis court?
Maybe during the off-season, balls, all the time except during tournaments. Back home I buy my balls. [People in Serbia recognize me], but sometimes I practise in private clubs so I have to pay for the courts as well.

Being a tennis player helped me?
Maybe in Australia. Before our flight back home, one of the Serbian guys, Nikola Cacic, helped us — me and my physio — with my luggage because we were overweight with out bags, so we put some stuff in Nikola’s bag.

I strung a tennis racquet?
I don’t know how to string them, so never. I don’t really have the desire to try. 

I asked someone for a selfie?
I was at a wedding and my friend was getting married and I asked him to take a selfie.

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Sunday Preview: Goffin To Face Cilic Challenge In Monte-Carlo 

David Goffin is no stranger to Monte-Carlo. The Belgian, who lives in the Principality, has made seven previous appearances at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters and regularly trains at the tournament site. 

While the 2017 semi-finalist may feel comfortable in his surroundings when he steps onto Court Rainier III on Sunday, he will face an uncomfortable first-round opponent, Marin Cilic, in one of the picks of the first-round matches. 

“I am happy every year to play this tournament. It is the site [where] I am practising the whole year, so I am feeling really comfortable to play here,” said Goffin. “I have played some great matches here in Monte-Carlo during this tournament, so I have great memories. Hopefully this year will be another year with some good matches [and] a good level of tennis.” 

Goffin and Cilic are tied at 4-4 in their ATP Head2Head series, and Cilic owns a 2-1 advantage on clay. At last year’s Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, the former World No. 3 charged past Goffin 6-2, 6-2 in just 70 minutes. The Belgian, who captured his fifth ATP Tour crown at the Open Sud de France in February, will aim to recapture his best form in Monte-Carlo after early losses at his two most recent events in Dubai and Miami. 

“[Cilic] is a tough opponent. He is not super confident, I would say, at the moment. But he is still an amazing player,” said Goffin. “The way he is playing, the way he can hit the ball sometimes is amazing. [He is] serving really well and he can play well on clay. He beat me last year in Rome, but it is another year and another tournament. Hopefully I can play a better match and try to win this one.” 

Following Goffin and Cilic’s ninth ATP Head2Head meeting will be a clash between Jordan Thompson and Benoit Paire. Thompson will enter his encounter against Paire with a 1-0 ATP Head2Head record. The Aussie rallied from a set down to outlast Paire 6-7(3), 7-6(5), 6-4 on clay in Lyon four years ago. 

The Day One schedule also features four first-round doubles matches and the final round of the qualifying draw. Two-time ATP Masters 1000 doubles finalists Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev will meet Frenchmen Jeremy Chardy and Fabrice Martin on Court Des Princes.  

Fabio Fognini, the 2019 singles champion, will return to Court Rainier III alongside doubles partner Diego Schwartzman. The Italian-Argentine tandem will battle Oliver Marach and Luke Saville for a spot in the second round. 

ORDER OF PLAY – SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019  

COURT RAINIER III start 11:00 am 
Qualifying – B. Tomic (AUS) vs [11] S. Caruso (ITA)
[11] D. Goffin (BEL) vs M. Cilic (CRO)
J. Thompson (AUS) vs B. Paire (FRA)
F. Fognini (ITA)/D. Schwartzman (ARG) vs O. Marach (AUT) vs L. Saville (AUS) 

COURT DES PRINCES start 11:00 am 
Qualifying – D. Koepfer (GER) vs J. Londero (ARG)
Qualifying – H. Laaksonen (SUI) vs M. Cecchinato (ITA)
J. Chardy (FRA)/F .Martin (FRA) vs K. Khachanov (RUS)/A. Rublev (RUS) 

COURT 2 start 11:00 am 
Qualifying – S. Travaglia (ITA) vs K. Majchrzak (POL)
Not before 13:00
Qualifying – Y. Hanfmann (GER) vs A. Popyrin (AUS)
C. Garin (CHI)/G. Pella (ARG) vs J. Murray (GBR)/J. Struff (GER) 

COURT 9 start 11:00 am 
Qualifying – P. Martinez (ESP) vs F. Delbonis (ARG)
Not before 13:00
Qualifying – J. Sousa (POR) vs [ALT] T. Fabianno (ITA)
H. Kontinen (FIN)/E. Roger-Vasselin (FRA) vs [ALT] A. Bublik (KAZ)/D. Lajovic (SRB) 

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Sonego Clinches Cagliari Title With Vavassori; Now For Singles Crown

Lorenzo Sonego and Andrea Vavassori captured the Sardegna Open doubles title on Saturday after a 6-3, 6-4 victory over second seeds Simone Bolelli and Andres Molteni in 75 minutes.

They are the first Italians to win a tour-level doubles title on home soil since Daniele Bracciali and Giorgio Galimberti at Milan in February 2005 in Milan.

Sonego and Vavassori, who beat top seeds Marcelo Melo and Jean-Julien Rojer in the Cagliari first round this week, are now 8-6 as a team.

Sonego, who beat Taylor Fritz in the singles semi-finals earlier on Saturday, will now bid to become the first player to clinch the singles and doubles titles at same event since Feliciano Lopez at the 2019 cinch Championships in London. The last Italian to complete a title ‘double’ was Matteo Berrettini at the 2018 Swiss Open Gstaad.

Italian Bolelli and Argentine Molteni reached 2019 VTB Kremlin Cup final in their only other ATP Tour event as a team. Bolelli drops to 6-9 in team finals, while Molteni is now 6-5.

It was the first time at least three Italians had contested an ATP Tour doubles final since 1998 Casablanca (Gaudenzi/Nargiso d. Brandi/Messori).

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