Medvedev: Every Match is a Struggle

By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Sunday, November 10, 2024
Photo credit: Shi Tang/GettyStruggling to finish what he starts leaves Daniil Medvedev eager for the end of the year.Showing his frustration, Medvedev smashed his racquet, broke a court-side microphone and was hit with a point penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct during his 6-4, 6-3 loss to Taylor Fritz at the ATP Finals.More: WADA Appeals Sinner's Doping Case, Seeks Ban for World No. 1Afterward, Medvedev said fatigue from a long season, frustration over the heavy Dunlop balls that he says makes it tough to finish points, and fury over a shanked forehand from Fritz that fell in to seal the crucial second-set service break all drained the pleasure of playing today. "The balls make that everyone can [play long rallies] now. So not at all surprised," Medvedev said. "I have this every day, day in, day out, since like two, three years. Every practice is a struggle. Every match is a struggle."I was holding for long time. Now I feel zero pleasure of being on the court."Medvedev, who dumped three double faults in a row to drop the first set, was philosophical in defeat."I always fight. As I said, since long time I fight with something that doesn't depend on myself," Medvedev said. "I'm a good fighter. I am still 4 in the world. Might be 5 if Taylor plays good here. Still pretty decent. I'm sure a lot of guys would like it."But now I'm tired to fight it. I'm tired to fight against something that doesn't depend on myself. I'll see how it goes. Today actually I had my chances. I'll have them the next matches. If it doesn't work out, I go on holiday. I'm happy." ]]>