“Wasn’t Playing His Best”: Daniil Medvedev Reflects on Dismantling Novak Djokovic at ATP Finals 2020

An in-form Russian Daniil Medvedev has said that Novak Djokovic wasn’t at his best in his straight-set loss to him at the ATP Finals on Wednesday. However, he said the ‘Big Three’ are a handful even when not at their best.

Daniil Medvedev books semis berth after upset win over Novak Djokovic

Medvedev stormed past the 17-time Grand Slam winner 6-3, 6-3 on Wednesday. The Russian guaranteed himself a semi-final spot in the season-ending event. The Serb looked uncharacteristically flat as the Russian cantered to an emphatic win.

Sharing his thoughts on the game, Medvedev said, “I think he (Djokovic) wasn’t playing his best. But we know that even if the ‘Big Three’ aren’t at their best, it is still tough to beat them.”

On his performance, the big Russian said he wasn’t happy with how he started the game but got better as it progressed.

The Russian is keen to get one over Rafa

Asked who between Rafael Nadal and Stefanos Tsitsipas he preferred playing in the semis, Medvedev said he was ready for both. The Russian currently holds a clear 5-1 advantage over the defending champion Tsitsipas in head-to-head battles.

Medvedev is yet to post a win over the 20-time Grand Slam champion in three meetings. “I lost to both of them here last year,”  he said, jogging back to his ATP Finals campaign last year.

Read More: Daniil Medvedev Steamrolls Over Novak Djokovic After He Commits 28 Unforced Errors at ATP Finals 2020

The Russian said he is keen to get one past Nadal and reduce his head-to-head deficit to 1-3. “I want to get my first win against him (Nadal),” Medvedev said. Given his current form, one wouldn’t dare bet against the Russian to do so.

Medvedev came into the season-ender on the back of his maiden title win at the Paris Masters and picked up from where he left off. He scored a facile win over Alexander Zverev in his opening round-robin game at the ATP Finals. It was a repeat of his win at the Masters.