Tennis news - Daniil Medvedev: Novak Djokovic not the player he was
ByReuters
Updated 19/01/2019 at 12:38 GMT
Daniil Medvedev enjoyed a rush of confidence on Saturday after securing his first appearance in the last 16 of a Grand Slam and the Russian tyro hopes to ride it to an unlikely victory over top seed Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open.
Daniil Medvedev is next up for Novak Djokovic
Image credit: PA Sport
The 22-year-old crushed former world number seven David Goffin 6-2 7-6(3) 6-3 at Melbourne Arena and now heads into the biggest match of his career.
Like many of his generation, Medvedev grew up watching Djokovic battling 'Big Four' rivals for Grand Slam trophies and has huge respect for the Serb's record and reputation.
Yet he also believes the 31-year-old is not quite the player he was, even as the world number one bids for a third major title in succession.
"...what I can only say is that probably he is not playing as he was before," 15th seed Medvedev told reporters.
"Or that’s just [my] feeling. Because before, when he was young, I was just watching on TV but it was just something insane when he was playing Andy [Murray] or somebody for five hours and you couldn’t see one down (level), it was only up.
"It’s not the same right now, you always have chances to beat him.
"That’s why he lost three times to 'Next Gen' players last year and I’m going to try to find my chances."
Whatever happens against Djokovic, Medvedev is glad just to feel he belongs in the second week of a Grand Slam.
"It feels really good. I’m happy about my performance, in fact, let’s say [it’s] the first time I’m in the top 16 seeds and I managed to prove it that I’m not there for nothing," he said.
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