Lorenzo Sonego Expects Daniil Medvedev To Be the ‘Leader’ After Federer, Nadal and Djokovic Retire

Russian tennis player, Daniil Medvedev, has one of the most unique games on the Tour, and the efficiency of his stroke-making is on par with the best players in the game. In the past couple of seasons, he has managed to achieve successful results against the big three. 

Recently, Daniil Medvedev was praised by rising Italian tennis star, Lorenzo Sonego. The Italian player expects the new World No. 2 to continue rising in the game. He also felt that the Russian star has the ability to carry forward the sport after the current trio of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic retire from the game. 

The 25-year-old revealed his admiration for Daniil and stated, “I would say Medvedev: he has already overtaken Federer and Nadal, among the new players he is certainly the strongest and the most continuous.”

(Quotes translated using Google Translate)

The absence of the big three opened the door for Daniil Medvedev and others

At the first ATP Masters 1000 event of the season in Miami, the big three were absent, and it was after many years that all three of them were missing from one particular event. Sonego compared the situation to that of a child having the entire house empty for themselves. 

The Turin-born professional athlete added, “Phenomena don’t miss a tournament, so not having them around let’s say it’s a nice relief. A bit like when as a child you can have your home free to celebrate.”  

Medvedev lost to Roberto Bautista Agut in Miami

At the Miami Open this year, the absence of the big three paved the way for youngsters on the Tour to make the most of the opportunity. However, Daniil failed to capitalize and seize his chance, as he lost to Bautista Agut.

The final was played between two youngsters, Jannik Sinner and Hubert Hurkacz, and the latter ended up winning his first-ever Masters 1000 title.

Medvedev began the season on a positive note, being the runner-up at the Australian Open 2021. He climbed up the rankings and surpassed Thiem and Nadal to become the second-best player in the world. 

Later, he competed at the Miami Open but lost in the quarterfinal. He is scheduled to play his first match on the clay courts at Monte Carlo this week. 

Also Read: How Can Rafael Nadal Reclaim World No.2 Spot From Daniil Medvedev After Monte Carlo Masters 2021?