‘Now it’s a bit different’ – Daniil Medvedev not concerned by shock Miami loss
Daniil Medvedev says that he is ‘not concerned’ about his latest loss after falling in his opening match at the Masters 1000 event in Miami.
The 2021 US Open champion lost to Jaume Munar 6-2, 6-3 – with the Spaniard, who is typically a clay courter, collecting his second top 10 win on a hard court.
“I don’t have really too big of concerns about my game in general, like, I showed it in Dubai and Indian Wells when I can play good, I can still win matches,” Medvedev stated after his shock loss.
“Said many times why I do think that something on the tour right now doesn’t favour my game, so for sure it’s tougher for me to win titles, and too, especially, I would say, beat guys who are in a good day.
“Whereas before, I could be in a good day, the guy could be in a good day, I probably would win actually. Now it’s a bit different.”
Medvedev made the quarter-finals of Dubai, losing to Tallon Griekspoor in the last eight after having a match point, before reaching the semi-finals of Indian Wells, where he lost to Holger Rune.
During the match, it quickly became evident that the Russian was suffering from back discomfort – winning just 61% of first-serve points and 45% second-serve points.
“I was not 100% physically, but I tried my best to get into the match,” admitted the former world No 1.
“Every day was better and better. I had some problems after Indian Wells. I tried my best. I was not 100%, but he played a very good match to use it and to win convincingly.
“I wouldn’t go to the match if I would definitely know I’m not ready to win.”
The loss to Munar means that Medvedev loses 390 ranking points and places him as the world No 10 in the live standings. If Holger Rune beats Reilly Opelka in Miami, the Russian will leave the world’s top 10 for the first time since February 2023.
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Speaking about the rankings drop, Medvedev stated: “Well, I guess it could happen after this tournament. I don’t follow, like — unless you’re getting close to No. 1 or something, I don’t follow it that closely.”
“But if it’s going to happen, I’m probably going to know it. Somebody is going to tell me or I’m going to see it in one of the tournaments. But yeah, if I do drop, it means I didn’t play well enough for last year. But it’s okay.
“I’m going to continue trying my best. As I said, unfortunately here physical issues, but clay now. Let’s see. My last title was on clay, so I’m going to try to get it again.”
After the victory, Munar commented: “It means a lot. I am feeling great after all the work I have put in to have a tournament like this.
“I feel really comfortable here and I have been playing great this year on hard courts. It got a little bit tight at the end but I am happy with the performance and it means a lot.”
