Daniil Medvedev’s recent ranking milestone of reaching world number two has energised the Russian ahead of the Miami Open.
The Russian is coming into Miami with some confidence and excellent form to go with it after winning the title in Marseille a few weeks ago.
As a result Medvedev has become the first player in 15 years not named Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or Andy Murray to be in the top two of the world rankings.
It is an achievement that shouldn’t be taken lightly and is clear sign of progress being made having already reached two grand slam finals.
Speaking on the achievement, Medvedev admitted that it has given him energy ahead of the upcoming Miami Open, “It’s been already one week, I could feel maybe pressure, no, I feel like it just gives me some energy boost,” Medvedev claimed in his pre-tournament press conference.
“I just want to play better and better to prove to myself I deserve this and hopefully I can show some great tennis in Miami.”
Medvedev has proven that he is now the guy to consistently challenge Tennis’ elite having won three Masters 1000 events.
However this week comes a different challenge as he is now the top seed with no Djokovic, Nadal or Thiem to challenge him in Florida.
The Russian spoke how pressure is something that he relishes rather than despises, “Definitely being top seed for a Masters event, especially this one in Miami, being No. 2 in the world, I’m enjoying the moment,” The Russian said.
“I don’t feel the pressure except for the pressure that I like to win matches and I want to win every tournament I play.
“Since I was young this pressure always stays with me, but I feel like it’s a good competitive pressure. I don’t really feel pressure from the outside because I know that if I play good I have my chances to win the tournaments and that’s the most important.”
In his first match in Miami, Medvedev will face either Sam Querrey or Yen-Hsun Lu on Friday.
The top seed spoke about the different tactics that would be needed against rather contrasting opponents, “I remember I beat both of them. Especially against Sam, it was on grass and he made the semis at Wimbledon after the tournament so it was an amazing win for me at the time … I’m gonna see who wins and then prepare a little bit for the winner.
“Yen-Hsun Lu is a really solid baseline player. Sam is different – big serve, big forehand. For sure two different plans depending who I play.”
