Winning US Open was ‘a dream come true’ for Daniil Medvedev, but motivation won’t be lacking in Indian Wells

ATP Tour
Daniil Medvedev lifts US Open trophy

He has checked one “big goal” off his to-do list, but Daniil Medvedev is determined not to let his level drop when he returns to action at the BNP Paribas Open.

Medvedev is on a high after he won his maiden Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows as he produced a brilliant display to stun world No 1 Novak Djokovic in the final.

He returned to action at the Laver Cup last week, winning his only match against Denis Shapovalov to help Team Europe to retain the trophy against Team World.

The Russian will finally return to the regular ATP Tour this week and despite his recent success, he remains motivated ahead of the Masters 1000 event in California.

“Of course, it was a big goal for me, a big dream come true, but I’m still here at Indian Wells,” he said.

“I have motivation. I came here prepared. I was in Los Angeles for a week to try to bring my tennis up a level because that’s what I’m always trying to do with my coach.

“Even if I lose in the second round here, it will have nothing to do with my motivation.”

Medvedev’s star has naturally risen even higher following his US Open victory, but the world No 2 admits he is often puzzled by some of the offers that have come his way.

“There was a lot [of excitement] but more like the first week after winning,” he revealed. “That is when the first buzz is because everyone talks all about you.

“All the media and newspapers, especially in Russia. Some people I am a fan of text me, that was pretty fun.

“A lot of people tried to pay for me in restaurants. Sometimes I try to refuse it. I don’t see why to accept it from people I don’t know. It is funny, but strange anyway.”

Daniil Medvedev

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