DANIIL MEDVEDEV DISCUSSES HIS POPULARITY COMPARED TO CARLOS ALCARAZ AS HE OFFERS A THEORY
Daniil Medvedev gave a typically candid and thoughtful answer as he addressed why his rival and fan favourite Carlos Alcaraz is more popular than him.
The 2021 US Open champion believes fans being drawn to aggressive playing styles, such as Alcaraz’s, over more defensive approaches, like his own, is “the case in all sports”
At the age of 20, Alcaraz has already become a hugely popular figure in the sport and receives significant crowd support at any tournament he plays.
The two-time major champion’s attacking tactics, power, variety and incredible speed all make him a highly entertaining player to watch and he is a devastating prospect when in full flight.
READ MORE: Carlos Alcaraz popularity matched only by Roger Federer ‘in his heyday’, claims former world No 1
Medvedev’s unique approach and qualities — with his deep return position and unorthodox technique — as well as his brilliant tactical mind, also make his matches fascinating viewing.
Alcaraz defeated Medvedev in straight sets in the final of the 2024 Indian Wells Masters earlier this month to secure his first title since he won Wimbledon in July last year. The duo could meet again in the championship match at the Miami Open later this week.
Speaking at a press conference during the Miami Open, Medvedev was asked about his popularity among tennis fans in comparison to world No 2 Alcaraz.
“I think it’s the case in all sports when you play defence, people want to see the shots. As soon as Carlos arrived on the circuit, he gained a lot of fans because he crushes the ball,” the world No 4 assessed.
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court. When the players are able to vary, in my opinion, it is even more beautiful.”
In his post-tournament press conference in Indian Wells after losing to Alcaraz, Medvedev discussed the challenge of facing the Spaniard, who he holds a 2-4 record against.
“Carlos, his ball goes so fast that it goes fast from the beginning to the end. Basically it’s an advantage,” the 28-year-old Russian explained.
“It’s an advantage because when we played some rallies, there were not so many, but when I managed to set up a rally, I felt like the only thing I can do is hit strong but not really put him in trouble, and when he makes one good shot I’m in trouble and I lose the point.
“It’s tough. Mentally it’s not easy to play against this. Yeah, to be honest, in second set, I felt a little bit out of solutions. Yeah, it’s not an easy feeling, because you have to try to do better.
“But that’s how I felt and I know that, for example, in US Open I managed to find the solutions. Different court, different situation. But even if I play him again here, this year was better than last year, 100%, I’m going to try to do even better. Maybe one set next time, and then hopefully two sets.”
Medvedev will face world No 3 Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Miami in a rematch of the 2024 Australian Open final, which the 22-year-old Italian won in five sets.
READ MORE: Daniil Medvedev makes Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz Grand Slam prediction