“They Should Understand”: Daniil Medvedev Hits Back at Critics After Drama-Filled Match Against Jannik Sinner

Daniil Medvedev had gracefully entered the semi-finals of the 2021 Nitto ATP Finals after his first two wins. Even though he played an elongated two-and-a-half-hour match against Jannik Sinner, in the post-match interview, the World No.2 explained the reason behind playing for so long in a ‘dead’ match.

Medvedev considered the fans’ perspective, who’d paid for the tickets to see the match. He believes he did the right thing by not retiring from the match. Medvedev had wanted to finish the match early, but Sinner pushed Medvedev to some limits.

The Russian will play next in his semi-finals match on Saturday.

Daniil Medvedev made a show in the ‘dead’ match

Daniil Medvedev defeated the Italian, Jannik Sinner, in an enchanting three-set match. When asked to speak on the extra effort he put into what was essentially a ‘dead’ match, he said it was the right thing to do. With already having qualified for the semi-finals, Medvedev didn’t need a win against Jannik Sinner.

Medvedev stated, “I didn’t want to do 2 hours 30 match when the match is dead, so that was unexpected, but I think that’s where people who, because I like to read comments, who are saying something about me, they should understand that I could have retired, basically say before the match that I have a headache, just not go out there, still be the first in the group. Yet I made a show, was 2 hours 30 on the court.” 

Furthermore, he added, “I think people finally enjoyed it who were in the stadium who paid the tickets. So I think I have done my job right.” Tennis fans across the world were certainly impressed with the kind gesture from Daniil Medvedev.

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Medvedev to face either Ruud or Rublev in the semi-finals

After winning the first two matches at ATP Finals, Medvedev has booked his spot in yet another ATP semi-finals. Moreover, the defending champion courageously triumphed in his third match against Sinner as well.

Following this win, he quoted, “Yeah, finally I’m just happy to win. Definitely weird match, and it’s like tough to talk about it, but, yeah, happy to win, happy to be here on Saturday and just gonna try to be ready for Saturday.”

World No. 2 will be locking horns against either Casper Ruud or Andrey Rublev in the semi-finals of the contest. On the other side, Alexander Zverev will be up against Novak Djokovic.

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