After a series of “crazy” matches took him to the title match last year at the Nitto ATP Finals, Daniil Medvedev returns to Turin with his sights set on a third straight run to the final at the prestigious event.
The 26-year-old finished as unbeaten champions in London in 2020, and last season again reached the final with a perfect 4-0 record before falling to Alexander Zverev. Each of his round-robin matches in 2021 went three sets to defeat Hubert Hurkacz, Zverev and Jannik Sinner.
“They were very crazy matches,” he said of their group stage duels in 2021. “There were two tie-breaks in the last set, and against Hubert it was also a crazy, close match. I remember it like it was yesterday”.
“That’s the thing about [Nitto] ATP Finals. Every game will be difficult. Even if for some reason you are going to win with an easy score, it will still be a tough match, mentally tough. From the first to the last point you have to show your best tennis. That’s what we love about this tournament.”
That will no doubt be true this year, as Medvedev has joined a Red Group that also includes five-time Nitto ATP Finals champion Novak Djokovic of Serbia; the 2019 winner, the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas; and the sixth seed, Andrey Rublev.
“I think it’s quite a difficult draw,” assessed Medvedev, who will debut on Monday against Rublev (not before 2:00 p.m.). “At the same time, in the other group we also have great players… It’s not easy for any group.”
“But like I said, there are top-tier players and if you want to win this tournament, you have to beat the best. I think our group is pretty even and everyone can pass. All [en el grupo] they’ve beaten everyone at least once, so that’s great. We are going to have great tennis.”
Now Medvedev can be considered a veteran of the Nitto ATP Finals for his fourth consecutive appearance at the tournament. That does not prevent you from continuing to enjoy the unique atmosphere in Turin.
“It’s a great tournament,” he said. “From day one, you practice with your opponents and rivals in this tournament because you have no other choice. Of course you have practice partners, but you also want to play sets against the best opponents.”
“This feeling when you’re waiting for the groups to come out to find out who you can practice with from the other group, to not practice with your opponents, that’s a lot of fun.”
“From the first match, you are going to face a tough opponent. There is a special energy in this tournament and I love it and I hope to show my best tennis. I feel confident, but you never know before the first game.”
So who will walk away with the trophy?
“I can’t answer this question because I hope it’s me,” Medvedev said with a smile. “But I’m not the type of person who will say, ‘I’m the one who wins this week.'” I just hope to play good tennis and try to do it.”
