Daniil Medvedev has vowed to take a ruthless approach to his upcoming meeting with Rafael Nadal in the final of the Rogers Cup in Montreal.
Medvedev will take on the world No.2 for the first time in his career after seeing off compatriot Karen Khachanov 6-1, 7-6(6), in the semi-finals on Saturday. During the match, Medvedev dropped only four points behind his first serve as he hit 19 winners to 22 unforced errors. The win moves the Russian into his first ever Masters 1000 final at the age of 23.
“I played amazing, but there were two moments in the match I should have won easier,” Medvedev told ATP Tennis Radio.
“I was confident about myself and then there were some mistakes I should not have done. Finally, (I let Khachanov) back in the match.”
The next challenge for Medvedev will be reigning champion Rafael Nadal, who is the only member of the Big Three he is yet to play. Earlier this year he stunned Novak Djokovic at the Monte Carlo Masters, but still trails their overall head-to-head 1-3. Meanwhile, he has lost all three of his meetings with 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer.
“It’s fun to play them because that’s what I have been working for all my life. As a kid, I saw them already winning Grand Slams on TV.” Medvedev said during his press conference.
“I would never expect to play against them, especially in the finals of a Masters 1000.’
“I won’t be intimidated. I want to win every match I play. Every match I play I want to win.”
The world No.9 has already contested four finals of the ATP Tour this season, including the Citi Open last week where he finished runner-up to Nick Kyrgios. He has won 38 matches so far in 2019. The joint-second highest amount along with Federer.
Nadal’s route into the Rogers Cup final was more straightforward. His opponent, Gael Monfils, was forced to withdraw from their semi-final clash due to injury. Monfils defeated Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut before being forced out of the tournament due to an ankle injury. The extra rest could be a boost for Nadal, but Medvedev isn’t so sure.
“Actually, I’m not sure it’s an advantage because he had to wait all, the day for his match, and probably it was late, so he didn’t practice after.” He said.
“I’m playing very well right now. I believe if I am able to play like this, it’s not going to be easy for Rafa. It’s going to be a big battle.” Medvedev added.
Regardless of who wins the title. Nadal will move into first place in the ATP Race to London on Monday.
