Daniil Medvedev has become the first Russian player in history to win a Masters title after downing David Goffin in straight sets at the Western and Southern Open.
The 23-year-old overcame cramping to edged out his rival 7-6(3), 6-4, in Cincinnati. It was by no means a straightforward encounter for Medvedev, who faced some stern resistance from across the court. During the opening set he saw a 4-1 advantage come and go before prevailing in the tiebreaker. Then in the second, Medvedev saved two break points whilst serving for the title. Eventually closing it out with three consecutive aces.
“It’s hard to find words,” Medvedev told Brad Gilbert after the match. “It’s the hard work I’ve been putting in. It would not be good to lose three finals in a row, so I’m really happy about this. I started cramping at 5-3, actually. It was the first time I cramped in three weeks. I made four serves he didn’t return and it was unbelievable.”
Throughout the clash the Russian No.1 fired 10 aces and dropped only three points behind his first serve. Medvedev also produced only one double fault compared to Goffin’s tally of seven.
Cincinnati was the third consecutive tournament where Medvedev has reached the final in as many weeks. Something that was last achieved by Alexander Zverev during the first half of 2018. Since Wimbledon, he has won 14 out of 16 matches played. The only players to have beaten him was Nick Kyrgios in the Washington final and Rafael Nadal at the Rogers Cup.
“I have to say even if I wouldn’t have finished with the trophy, they were amazing and the best in my life. But of course I think with the trophy is better.” He commented about the past three weeks.
“Especially if I would have lost three finals in a row, I would have not doubted myself but, like, started asking myself how is it possible, three finals, lost all of them? What should I do differently in the final?”
“It’s been the best weeks in my life. My mentality was the best in my life. My serve was the best in my life. My tennis was really consistent. I didn’t have one bad match. I’m just extremely happy.”
The recent surge in form has also helped Medvedev achieve another milestone in his blossoming career. On Monday he rose to a ranking high of fifth in the world. Becoming the first man from his country to break into the top five since Nikolay Davydenko back in 2010. He is one of two Russian men in the top 10 along with Karen Khachanov, who is currently in ninth spot.
“That’s a huge achievement which I couldn’t probably believe three weeks ago, because I just entered the top 10.”
US Open awaits
Given the surge in success, the world No.5 has now been named as a contender in the upcoming US Open, which will begin in a week’s time. He is yet to progress beyond the fourth round at a major. Runner-up Goffin has backed his opponent to become a grand slam champion, but believes the US Open might not be where he triumphs.
“To win a Grand Slam it’s another story, because it’s best of five. It could be unbelievably hot and humid in New York, as well. You know, it’s something different.” Said Goffin.
“This year, I don’t know. Maybe it’s too early, but one day, yes. Why not?”
There is also a danger that Medvedev could have peaked too early prior to the New York major. Also, given the sheer amount of tennis he has contested over the past three weeks, there are also concerns about how he will recover in time. However, Medvedev has no regrets regardless of what happens at the grand slam.
“I try not to think about it, because I have zero regrets from what I have done in these three weeks.” He stated.
“We will work on a plan with my team, how to make the best plan to recover and to be ready for Monday or Tuesday, if I play Tuesday, and hopefully I am. I would say I should be. There is no reason for me not to be ready for US Open.”
Medvedev has now won 44 matches this season. More than anybody else on the ATP Tour.
