Daniil Medvedev has begun his 2022 season with the ATP Cup in Sydney, Australia. The World No. 2 is spearheading the Russian team at the tournament. In fact, they are currently the defending champions at the ATP Cup.
Medvedev definitely has had a tiring start to the season, as he played two ATP matches on the same day. Firstly, the Russian went up against French tennis player Ugo Humbert. Sadly, Medvedev lost the match in three sets, dropping the second and the third set by a close margin.
Daniil Medvedev was cramping throughout the last stretch
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Speaking about his singles match against Humbert, Medvedev talked of how he had been cramping in the final set. In fact, he is disappointed in not being able to win the match despite his problem. “My match was unreal. I’m disappointed that I lost,” he said.
Nevertheless, Daniil Medvedev acknowledges how close he came to winning in spite of his cramps. “I was cramping since end of the second set, but yet managed, you know, to almost win it,” he stated.
However, this was not the end of his struggles, as right after his match, he was told that he had to play a doubles rubber as well. Medvedev had to partner up with compatriot Roman Safiullin for team Russia’s doubles match against France.
Obviously, the sudden notice did not sit well with Medvedev. After all, he had just finished a grueling 3 setter and was not feeling his best physically either.
“When I heard I had 25 minutes to get ready for doubles, I was not happy,” Medvedev shared. He shared how cramping through his own 3-hour match meant that he needed a lot more rest than half an hour.
However, the World No. 2 persevered and came through for his team, as Team Russia won their ATP Cup doubles tie-up 6-4, 6-4 against France.
ALSO READ: Tennis Doubles Legend Fires Daniil Medvedev Warning for Australian Open 2022
Medvedev was ready to put it all on the line
Despite being exhausted and cramped with no time to rest, Medvedev had no complaints as he walked on to the court with Safiullin. After all, he was here for a purpose- that of representing his nation. “I’m playing here for Russia, for my country,” Medvedev expressed.
#Medvedev: "When I heard I had 25 minutes to get ready for doubles, I was not happy. It's definitely not enough when you play a three-hour match and you're cramping. I'm playing for here Russia, for my country. If I have to die on the court, I will try to do it and try to win". pic.twitter.com/jVgR0TatFU
— Lorenzo Ercoli (@Ladal17) January 2, 2022
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Furthermore, he shared how there was no length he wouldn’t go to in order to win for his country. “If I have to die on the court, I will try to do it and try to win,” he said.
Clearly, the 25-year-old takes great pride in playing for his country.
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