“Was Angry With Me”: Daniil Medvedev Recalls ATP Cup Spat With Diego Schwartzman

For the quarterfinal’s spot in Rolex Paris Masters 2020, Daniil Medvedev played against the Austrian Alex De Minaur. Adding to his advantage to 3 for 0 over the Austrian, the Russian player won convincingly after losing the first set. The win resulted in a place against the Argentinian Diego Schwartzman to qualify for the next round.

The good news for the Russian is that he has won against Diego Schwartzman in all of their 3 previous encounters. On the other side, the 28 years old Argentine will look to move off the mark. Additionally, their feud at the ATP Cup earlier in the year will play its part behind the scenes.

“No Problems With Him”: Daniil Medvedev on Relationship with Diego Schwartzman

After losing the US Open semifinal against its crowing champion Dominic Thiem, Daniil fumbled in every next tournament. His latest appearance in the Vienna Open quarterfinals was the farthest for the Russian after New York. Now, the opportunity has presented itself, and for the Russian a chance to make 2020 count.

Given the opportunity, the French Open semifinalist and Cologne finalist Argentine will also strive to excel in Paris.

On accounts of their ATP Cup debunking, Daniil chooses the higher ground. He says, “If he has problems with me, I understand it, I will not fight against it. But again, I think the relationship is going better and better. But it’s better to ask Diego because I have no problems with him.”

A high stakes match for both the players, the Russian and the Argentine will stretch their feet to reach the semifinals of Paris Bercy.

Following his last year’s breakthrough, Daniil has regained his control and ease over the tennis ball. His dominance on the serve against Minaur looked too precise to be true. The final score telecasted 5-7, 6-2, and 6-2. Furthermore, the Russian’s real challenge lies ahead, as he meets his own rival Schwartzman to go to the next round.

As calm and composed he delivered his game today, the Russian says, “Talking about ATP Cup […] if you watch the match closely, 2nd and 3rd set I was sometimes applauding Diego for great shots […]. Of course, I understand why he was angry with me.”

Tennis is a game of force and control, therefore rivalries are most common in the sport. Even then, the boat has passed the rocky surface in between the Russian and the Argentine player. The game will demand their maximum potential to play the semifinals in Paris-Bercy.

“I was applauding Diego for great shots”: World No. 5 Medvedev

If Daniil prevails the Argentine professional then it will be his much-needed thrust for the year-end finale. For the Argentine, it will be a perfect platform to open his account against the Russian. Importantly, Paris is coming to its conclusion and it is getting intense. Who do you think will stand in the Top 4 at Paris Bercy?

Also Read: “This is a Moron”: Diego Schwartzman Breaks Silence on His Relationship with Daniil Medvedev