Take out the popcorn! A little less than two months after the final of the US Open, where Daniil Medvedev, world No.2, 25, deprived No.1 Novak Djokovic, 34, of a double date with the legend ( 21st Major and Grand Slam calendar), the two best players in the world face each other this Sunday afternoon at the Central of the Accor Arena. Bercy carbon copy of New York, a first since the creation of the ATP Tour in 1990.
For Medvedev, it will be about keeping the tree that serves as a reward for the winner, conquered for the first time last year. Djokovic, he aims to plant a sixth in an already abundantly stocked trophy garden. The New York scar is alive, but the Serbian is already free of a weight. His victory over Hurkacz on Saturday ensured him a seventh career season at the top of tennis. Better than Sampras.
“It’s a huge relief,” he breathes. I am grateful to be in this position once again, to make history. It gives me lots of positive emotions. It’s an incredible feeling, and I’m very proud of it. I try to keep in mind that I am in a unique position. It is sometimes difficult to realize the magnitude of his exploits, not just for me, but for the sport in general, because I am still a player in full practice. “
Even relieved of this burden, the Belgradois, who suffered in the semifinals (6-3, 0-6, 7-6), does not start favorite against a Medvedev who walked on a somewhat blunt Zverev (6- 2, 6-2). “The last time we faced each other he overwhelmed me (6-4, 6-4, 6-4), observes the boss. I hope I can turn it around this time around, and that I will have learned from this experience in New York. I saw him play against Zverev. His tennis is fantastic. He’s really at his best. Ten days ago, we trained. We did a set together. It was frankly very tense, and funny. I hope the fans can enjoy a thrilling game. “
Medvedev, too, had enjoyed this little session in Sophia Antipolis. But, there, no question of laughing. And, above all, everyone will know the winner. “Like him, I don’t mean the score,” smiles the Russian. It was decided in the tie-break but I won’t say who won… Me, I’m a competitor. Whether it’s at the PlayStation or at an exhibition, I always want to win. This year, we played each other twice in the Grand Slam final (Djokovic won in Australia). These matches help you mentally and tactically to better prepare. I’ll try to rehearse New York stuff, he’ll try to change… and I’ll try to think of what he could change! It is always an incredible feeling to play it… ”
