“Everybody Was Surprised”: Daniil Medvedev Opens Up on Emma Raducanu’s Incredible US Open 2021 Success

For the 2021 season, Russian World No.2 Daniil Medvedev and British teenager Emma Raducanu are the US Open champions for men’s and women’s singles competitions, respectively. Although both the winners were a surprise to the tennis world, the 18-year-old’s success story was more. Accordingly, the Russian has voiced his thoughts on Raducanu’s incredible run in New York.

First, Medvedev admitted that “100%, everybody was surprised” by seeing teenagers Raducanu and 19-year-old Leylah Fernandez in the US Open 2021 final. Then, he expressed how the Englishwomen’s triumph is massive for the sport.

Daniil Medvedev on Emma Raducanu winning the US Open 2021 title

More than Raducanu winning the title, her winning without losing a single set surprised many. Medvedev said, “100% everybody was surprised because they were not seeded. Emma coming from qualies [qualifiers], not losing a set, it was a surprise, you cannot deny it. You cannot say that you saw it before the tournament.” 

Moving forward, the 25-year-old Russian, who ended Novak Djokovic‘s fairytale Calendar Slam, explained what Raducanu’s victory means for tennis. Medvedev also made some predictions on how her story will resurface again.

“It’s great for tennis,” Medvedev continued. “I mean, Oh! What they did in this tournament is just insane. And Emma doesn’t have a WTA win outside of Grand Slams, and she’s a US Open champion. Playing unbelievable again, not losing a set, that’s just a crazy story. I am sure they are going to be books and films about it.”

Interestingly, both Medvedev and Raducanu collected their maiden Grand Slam title in New York. It will be intriguing to follow whether they rise or fall after this enormous success.

Also Read: Did US Open 2021 Witness a Change of Guard After Daniil Medvedev Defeated Novak Djokovic in the Finals?

Medvedev qualifies for the ATP Finals 2021, Turin

Indeed, Medvedev completed his Australian Open 2021 final revenge in the US Open against Djokovic. Consequently, he’s confirmed to play in Turin for the season-ending tournament.

Every year, the season’s best eight players compete in the ATP Finals. Also, it is the second-highest tier event after the Grand Slams. This year, Medvedev will enter the tournament as the defending champion. Let’s wait and watch what comes next in the 2021 tennis season.

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