“To Get Infected Here is Really Tough”: Daniil Medvedev Not Concerned About Safety at US Open 2020

The US Open is set to mark the return of tennis to the highest arena. After the break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tennis is returning to normalcy. However, many players have decided not to participate in the Flashing Meadows. Russian professional Daniil Medvedev, however, does not fall on this category. He freely expressed his will to participate and considers the venue safe.

“I don’t think I ever really doubted playing here, I was almost sure I will come here”, the Russian stated.

The pandemic situation caused havoc in the entire world. Its consequences have been alarming. Every activity included tennis was shut off for months. Medvedev understands the impact and accepts the choices of the individuals. However, he thinks that most of the players were ready for the tournament and were eagerly waiting for it to commence.

“Safety was a priority for everybody (but) as soon as everybody really got the information on how it’s going to be here I think everybody decided to go.”

The USTA has done a wonderful job providing safety to the players. Securing the players within an area, maintaining the protocol, and to restrict public interaction has been their priority. Medvedev goes ahead to certify the safety

“I think to get infected here is really tough. I think it’s a good bubble.”

Daniil Medvedev remembers last year’s outing at New York. Facing Rafael Nadal in the finals, he was looking for his first Grand Slam title. However, the Spaniard demolished the Russian force in a 5 set marathon. Medvedev spills his thoughts regarding the upcoming US Open.

“When I come into the slam, my goal is to win seven matches. But I take it match by match.”

Daniil Medvedev and road to the finals

Medvedev would be looking forward to repeating his performance this year as well. Losing out on the finals last year was heartbreak for him. He has come a long way from that final. Definitely he’d be focussing on the seven games he has in his hand. With Federer and Nadal missing in action, this year’s US Open could be a grand opportunity for him.

However, his road to success won’t be easy. He’s in the same group as Andrey Rublev and Grigor Dimitrov. The fight won’t be easy at all. Returning from the break, everyone would be hungry for the win.

Moreover, even if he manages to go all the way to the semi-finals, he could possibly face Dominic Thiem. All in all it will be a tough draw for him.