AmericaDaniil Medvedev is aiming to go further at this week’s Miami Open to close his 55-point gap with Novak Djokovic in the ATP rankings.
Medvedev only held the number one position in the world for three weeks, before it had to be handed over to Djokovic on March 21 due to an early loss at the BNP Paribas Open. The Russian must defend 180 points at this week’s Miami Open. If they reach the semifinals, Medvedev has 360 points and will beat Djokovic to reclaim the world number one spot.
Medvedev’s best finish at the Miami Open is the 2021 quarter-finals. Photo: change
“I usually play better in Miami than at Indian Wells and hope to improve this year,” Medvedev said at a news conference ahead of the second round of the Miami Open. “I made some adjustments with the coach after the loss at Indian Wells. Masters 1000 always has a big opponent. Even if you play well, you don’t necessarily win. I lost my ATP number one spot at Indian Wells. Because I played badly. I think I can get that position back here. Of course, I’m not haunted by it every night.”
Medvedev and Djokovic will both have points deducted at the 2021 Miami Open on April 4. The Serbian player was deducted 45 points, while Medvedev was deducted 180 points. Djokovic missed both Masters 1000s in the US this month due to not being vaccinated. He is expected to return to the Monte Carlo Masters on April 10. Djokovic has only played three matches at the Dubai Championships since the start of the year.
No Djokovic and Rafael Nadalbut Medvedev can face many other strong opponents, including Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, Felix Auger-Aliassime and last week’s Indian Wells winner Taylor Fritz. Medvedev faces his first challenge in the second round, meeting the former world number one Andy Murray.
Medvedev also opened up the possibility of attending Wimbledon this year, after British officials wanted Russian players to publicize their views on tensions in Ukraine. He said: “I have always supported peace, and have my own opinion on world problems. But I like to discuss those issues with my family, with my wife. It is very difficult to distinguish between right and wrong life. Every country has its own laws. I’ll have to wait and see what happens.”
Vy Anh (based on L’Equipe)
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