Daniil Medvedev disagrees with Stefanos Tsitsipas’ controversial ATP Finals claim

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Daniil Medvedev has opposed Stefanos Tsitsipas’ bold statement that he considers the ATP Finals to be “bigger than a Grand Slam” ahead of the 2023 edition of the event. 

The world No 3 recognised the unique strength of the field at the year-end championships, but argued the seven round, best-of-five set format makes winning Majors tougher.

Tsitsipas defeated Dominic Thiem in the final of the 2019 ATP Finals to win the event on his debut, having beaten Roger Federer in the semi-finals. The 25-year-old has not progressed beyond the round-robin stage in his three appearances since (he withdrew through injury after one match in 2021).

A Grand Slam title has, though, eluded the world No 6, who was a runner-up at the 2021 French Open and at this year’s Australian Open – losing to Novak Djokovic on both occasions.

Speaking ahead of his fifth ATP Finals appearance, Tsitsipas made the controversial claim that he places the season-ending event above the four Grand Slams.

“It’s a whole celebration. The ATP Finals is a commemoration and celebration of the best of the best in our sport. We all gather together and we get to play against each other and focus on the fact that we are the best in the world trying to fight for this mega trophy, which is a grand prize in our sport,” said the Greek.

“It means a lot. I would consider it probably a bigger thing than a Slam, honestly. It has big prestige and it’s a very valuable asset if you’re able to conquer and win it.”

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In an interview with journalist Sofya Tartakova, Medvedev and compatriot and fellow Turin qualifier Andrey Rublev were asked about Tsitsipas’ statement.

World No 5 Rublev humourously replied: “I haven’t won either, so… you better ask Daniil, he has won both. I have won neither – anything will do for me (laughs),” said the 26-year-old.

Medvedev, who won the ATP Finals in 2020 and the US Open in 2021, explained why he feels Grand Slam tournaments are more prestigious than the Finals.

“I’d say a Slam. For me, it’s harder because of five sets. Yes, you face only top 10 players at year-end championships, from the very first match, but still, you need to win five matches and not seven,” assessed the Russian.

“It makes a difference. You may even win four matches and still win the title. Anyway, everybody is entitled to their opinion, but for me it’s a Grand Slam.”

Tsitsipas will play Jannik Sinner in the first match at the 2023 ATP Finals on Sunday, with Djokovic and Holger Rune the other players in the Green Group. Despite concerns over Tsitsipas’ fitness after he reportedly cut two practice sessions short due to an elbow issue, he looks set to feature.

Medvedev and Rublev will begin their campaigns by facing each other on Monday, after Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev kick off play in the Red Group.

READ MORE: Jannik Sinner makes huge Novak Djokovic GOAT claim as official ATP Finals photo is released

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