By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Sunday, Could 12, 2024 The Rome press room isn’t a confessional, however that didn’t deter Daniil Medvedev from sharing self fact.
Medvedev’s someday dysfunctional relationship with purple clay is rooted in a basic truth: he detests grime.
Extra: Hurkacz Hammers Nadal
Clay beats up his physique, muffles his jolting first serve, wrecks restoration steps into slippery slides, stains his socks and generally scars his psyche.
“When somebody asks me what’s the factor you hate about clay, for me it is soiled,” Medvedev instructed the media in Rome. “I do not like.
“Locker rooms are soiled. Once you come, you clap the footwear to get out the clay. It is soiled.
“Socks, you possibly can throw away after clay season, for certain. In your automobile after apply, it is soiled. So I do not prefer it. It’s what it’s. Now I get pleasure from it an increasing number of.”
One motive for the change of coronary heart was his impressed run to the 2023 Rome title.
Arriving within the Everlasting Metropolis winless in three prior Rome appearances, Medvedev scored six straight wins to seize his maiden clay crown on the 2023 Internazionali BNL d’Italia.
The fourth-ranked Medvedev opened his title protection with a 7-5, 6-4 win over Briton Jack Draper.
Now Medvedev is aiming to snap a wierd streak and defend an ATP title for the primary time.
All 20 of Medvedev’s titles have are available in 20 totally different cities.
Can the 2021 US Open champion crack the code of title protection and do it within the Everlasting Metropolis?
Scanning a Rome draw devoid of 10-time champion Rafael Nadal, world No. 2 Jannik Sinner, two-time Madrid champion Carlos Alcaraz, and Roland Garros runner-up Casper Ruud, Medvedev says now could be his time to defend.
“It’s extremely unusual. I’d assume it is like coincidence, unfortunate factor,” Medvedev mentioned of his incapacity to defend a title. “I do not care which match I play, I wish to win. Would not matter whether or not I win it earlier than or not.
“Each match I play, I wish to win. I actually hope that one time in my profession I can win someplace I win earlier than. Now could be the prospect right here to do it, and I’ll strive.”
Subsequent up for Medvedev is 121st-ranked Hamad Medjedovic.
Picture credit score: Getty
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