Medvedev: “I beg your pardon, we all knew what Nole aspired to”

Daniil Medvedev surprised locals and strangers this Sunday in the US Open final. Not only because of the ease with which he defeated Novak Djokovic (triple 6-4), but also because of what he said in his speech after the victory. “I want to apologize to the fans and Novak. We all know what he aspired to today,” the Russian started despite the fact that the court was favorable to his rival throughout the game and there were even those who booed him when he served to win the match.

“I have never told anyone, but you are the best tennis player I have ever seen,” Medvedev confessed to Nole, who lost the opportunity to lift the 21st Grand Slam of his career, beating Nadal and Federer, and the fourth of the season. “Thanks to all my team, my family, my friends. It is not easy to achieve this and you have helped me along the way. Also the public. You have helped me a lot today. It was not easy,” he added.

The Muscovite concluded with a touch of humor, saying that victory was an indispensable condition for not having a problem with his wife: “Today is the anniversary of my marriage and I knew that I had to win because, if I lost, I would not have time to look for a gift.”

In the subsequent press conference, the Muscovite confessed that he had felt a lot of pressure about “the risk in the second service.” “I knew I couldn't give him easy serves, because that's what he likes. So that was the plan. Because of the confidence in a lot of difficult moments, I managed to do well.” He also acknowledged that he did not see Djokovic “in his prime.” “He was under pressure, and he has been seen to play better. The question is, if he was at his best, would I be able to cope? Now we will never know. I'm happy that I won (smiling).”

The annoying public

On cheering from the crowd as he served in the third set, Medvedev claimed that it had been “difficult” to carry and “tough”. “I knew the only thing I can do is focus on myself, what I had to do to win the game. I don't think it was against me. It was more in his favor. Well, they wanted to see their boy do the Grand Slam. But, yeah, I did commit a few double faults because of that. Which makes it even sweeter that he finally managed to make a first serve at match point three. ” That is why he explained that he feels “a lot of happiness.” That is my first Grand Slam. I don't know how I'm going to feel if I win a second or a third. This means a lot to me. I don't have any tennis imminent so I know how to celebrate. Russians know how to celebrate (smiling). Hopefully it's not on the news. If I succeed, it will be in a good way. But I'm definitely going to celebrate in the next few days. “