“We Are the Underdog”: Daniil Medvedev’s Coach on French Open 2021 Quarterfinal Clash Against Stefanos Tsitsipas

As we approach the business end of the French Open 2021, players are training intensely as the matches get tougher. Tonight, we have an exciting contest on our hands, involving top guns, Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas. The match is scheduled for the night session on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Speaking about the match between the Russian and the Greek, Daniil Medvedev’s coach Gilles Cervara spoke on the rivalry and what to expect out of the quarterfinal match. The Frenchman considers his pupil as the underdog, given the form Stefanos Tsitsipas has been in throughout the clay-court swing of the season.

The 40-year-old coach stated, “I feel like we are the underdog more than the favorite. I think Stefanos has had such an impressive start to the season, especially on clay, that Daniil will have to play a superb match to upset him. It’s another game. As a coach, it’s not a preparation factor for me.

“I don’t know how it will be on the court, it’s possible that there are still memories [of the match in Melbourne].”

Daniil Medvedev faced Stefanos Tsitsipas in Melbourne this year

Earlier this season, these players faced each other in the semifinal at the Australian Open. It was a one-sided match that went in favor of the Russian, as the match ended in straight sets. However, now that the contest is on the clay courts, the Greek player will be high on confidence since he has impressed with his results over the past few weeks. 

Both players are well aware of each other’s games. They have faced each other seven times and Daniil has won six of those encounters. They have played on clay once at Monte Carlo in 2018, which was won by the Russian star.

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Nonetheless, whenever these players face each other, the level of tennis is at the highest, and tonight we can hope to see something similar. It will be interesting to see which player comes out on top and books a spot in the semifinal of the French Open 2021.