Medvedev: 'I'm Capable of Doing Big Things'
Daniil Medvedev got a much-needed confidence boost on Monday that he can replicate his hard-court success on the clay of Roland Garros.
“I feel really hopeful,” said Medvedev, after a 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 victory over Alexander Bublik. You could see it today in the match, I’m feeling that here, at least this year with this weather, with these balls, I can play like on hard courts. It doesn’t feel different than the Australian Open for me coming into this tournament.
“Now, when I’m coming to these big tournaments feeling like this, I know I’m capable of doing big things. [At the] Australian Open I was in the final. If I lose here in Roland Garros, it’s probably going to be because my opponent will play really good. As I said, I feel very confident, I move well, slide well… So I’m feeling great.”
Medvedev led Russia to the ATP Cup crown prior to a run to the Australian Open final (l. to Djokovic) in February. He captured his 10th ATP Tour title at the Open 13 Provence in Marseille (d. Herbert) one month later and is currently 19-5 on the season.
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Medvedev’s reward for a first victory at Roland Garros on his fifth visit to Paris will be a second-round meeting with American Tommy Paul.
“[It] feels great,” said Medvedev. “But most important is the level of tennis. I’ve been showing, as I said before the tournament, it was not mind games. My opponent can see I was really feeling good. I managed to play consistent today. I actually played much better in practice than today, so there is room for improvement.
“That was one of not many matches where I was really tight. Hopefully, it can be only better for the next rounds. As I say, [I’m] really happy first of all with the win and then with my level of play also.”