By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Saturday, March 18, 2023
Throughout his decided run to his maiden Indian Wells remaining, Daniil Medvedev has proven each problem-solving ability and a penchant for self-preservation.
The fifth-seeded Medvedev endured a twisted ankle edging Alexander Zverev 6-7(5), 7-6(5), 7-5, a lower finger in his quarterfinal defeat of Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and the headache of seven squandered match factors subduing Frances Tiafoe in at present’s semifinals.
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Driving a 19-match profitable streak into his fourth consecutive remaining tomorrow, Medvedev says dealing with 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz can really feel like a visit to the tennis burn unit.
“Carlos, when he was there at like 17, I used to be, like, Wow, this man, he is robust, however you by no means know, generally man hits robust after which makes a variety of unforced [errors],” Medvedev advised the media in Indian Wells. “Let’s have a look at how he does. Then in a single 12 months he is No. 1 on the earth. There are matches the place he would not miss a lot, hitting simply stronger than his opponents.
“That is like shocking or amusing to see, as a result of, properly, you are like, If this man is on fireplace, what are you able to do? I keep in mind Madrid I did not watch the matches however when he beat Rafa and Novak again to again on clay, that is superb at 18 years outdated.”
Sunday’s remaining pits reigning US Open champion Alcaraz in opposition to 2021 US Open champion Medvedev, who gained their lone assembly in straight units on the 2021 Wimbledon.
Including to the intrigue and depth: If Alcaraz captures his third Masters crown tomorrow he’ll supplant Novak Djokovic and regain the world No. 1 rating.Â
Bidding for his fourth consecutive title, Medvedev says there’s one main Alcaraz query: What number of Slams will the teenage phenom win?
“He has superb abilities. The query is, we all know that he is aware of the best way to use them,” Medvedev mentioned. “Then the query comes, does he win 10 Grand Slams, 5, or 23 and possibly he beats the file.
“It should be pleasant to see and pleasant to play in opposition to him…
“It should be nice to play him, particularly I am feeling assured now. I feel floor is healthier for him, however I am gonna strive my finest to indicate my finest tennis and hopefully have a fantastic remaining.”
Some opponents say the 19-year-old Spaniard already combines the most effective of the Massive 3 in his all-court ability set.
Former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz’s coach, has nice expectations for the Miami Open champion.
“I’ve the objective to place him on the excessive stage of tennis,” Ferrero mentioned after Alcaraz grew to become the youngest man to win the US Open since Pete Sampras in 1990. “After all, I feel it should be very, very troublesome to realize what they’ve carried out on tennis. We’re speaking about 22 Grand Slams. He has just one. Is a good distance nonetheless to go.
“However who is aware of? I feel he has all of the tennis and potential to be the most effective. All we’ve got to do is strive it.”
Photograph credit score: Aurelien Meunier/Getty
