Daniil Medvedev relishing US Open clash against ‘tricky and smart’ Dan Evans

US Open
Daniil Medvedev in action

Very tricky, very smart, good decision maker and a top player were some of the ways Daniil Medvedev described Dan Evans ahead of their US Open match.

The duo will square off in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows as Evans came from two sets to love down to win a thrilling five-set match against Alexei Popyrin while the Russian beat Pablo Andujar comfortably in three sets.

Sunday’s last-16 encounter will be their first-ever meeting and second seed Medvedev knows he will have to be at his best.

“I think it’s tough to describe him with one word, but definitely very tricky. I would think very smart because he doesn’t have one shot that is a weapon, and yet he’s a top player for many years already,” the world No 2 said.

“I mean, the way he chooses the right moment to go to the net, to slice, to make a dropshot. I mean, his serve is not huge, but it’s tough to return. Great player. I heard today in the locker room I think people saying, I love watching him play. Yeah, probably most of us like watching him play.

“Yeah, I saw that he was two sets down. I watched a little bit the fifth set, what a tiebreak from him. Yeah, first time actually playing against him, so never easy. I want to show my best level. That’s how I will have my chances to win.”

Asked if Evans was a scrappy player, Medvedev first wanted the word explained to him as he didn’t “want to insult him when I don’t know the word”.

He then replied: “Yeah, a hundred percent. I think that’s his strength. I think, yeah, that’s great that he has these strengths.

“Not sure if he would go out on the court and say I’m going to try hit 60 winners, 20 aces, win the match like this, I’m not sure he would succeed.

“Yet he manages to make unbelievable results, beating Novak this year in Monte-Carlo. Very tough opponent to play for anybody. That’s his strengths, yeah.”

Dan Evans Daniil Medvedev

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