USA Today via Reuters
Aug 10, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Daniil Medvedev of Russia leaves the court as heavy rain delays his match with Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan in second round play in the National Bank Open at Aviva Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 10, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Daniil Medvedev of Russia leaves the court as heavy rain delays his match with Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan in second round play in the National Bank Open at Aviva Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
World No. 2, Daniil Medvedev has decided to take a short break after his heartbreaking exit from Indian Wells. Medvedev lost to Grigor Dimitrov in the fourth round and will be resting before beginning his title defense at the Paris Masters, followed by the year-end championships in Turin.
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Daniil Medvedev pulls out of home-event in Moscow after Indian Wells defeat
Initially, the Russian was supposed to play the Kremlin Cup on his home soil, but changed his mind after the defeat and announced that he has pulled out of the Moscow event.
“I did sign because I haven’t played there since 2018. It’s my hometown, so I wanted to give myself a chance. To be honest, yeah, I did feel exhausted this tournament, which of course I will never say before matches, so now I can say it”, Medvedev remarked after the match with Dimitrov.
With Novak Djokovic pulling out of Indian Wells, it was a great opportunity for the Russian to clinch the title and earn points before trying to defend the two big tournaments (Paris and World Tour Finals).
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 13, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Daniil Medvedev of Russia plays a shot against Hubert Hurkacz of Poland during the quarter finals of the National Bank Open at Aviva Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
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“I did feel tired, and there were a few things coming up during the tournament in terms of my physical. I need to take care of my body”, concluded the Russian as he wants to come back stronger for Paris Masters.
Medvedev’s chances of grabbing year-end no.1 position look bleak at the moment
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Few days ago, there was news that Novak Djokovic would like to stage a comeback in Paris Masters as he wanted to end his season on a high. Moreover, Djokovic has a chance of overtaking Pete Sampras for the highest year-end no.1 finishes on the men’s singles circuit.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 12, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a shot against Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the men’s singles final on day fourteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
Despite losing the Calendar slam to Medvedev, Djokovic’s willingness to stay on top till the season ends is a clear indication that it will be difficult for the Russian to sail through the upcoming events.
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Moreover, there will always be a threat from his peers like Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev, and Andrey Rublev in both these events. The race to the year-end no.1 will become interesting once Djokovic comes back in Paris as Daniil Medvedev looks to defend his crown.
