Daniil Medvedev hopes to continue his form from the China Open into the remainder of the season as he sets his sights on the Shanghai Masters trophy.
The former US Open champion missed out on winning his 21st Tour title on Wednesday in Beijing after being edged out in two sets by an impressive Jannik Sinner, who also beat Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the tournament. It was the first time Medvedev had lost to the Italian in his career after winning all six of their meetings before this week.
Despite his defeat, the former world No.1 draws plenty of positives from the encounter during what has been a successful season. So far this year Medvedev has won 59 matches with 42 of those being on as hardcourt. He has played in eight finals and won five of those, including two Masters 1000 events. He has won more titles in 2023 than in any other season so far in his career.
“I think everyone is a little bit tired. It’s the end of the season,” Medvedev told reporters in China.
“I know that when I’m in this kind of shape, like playing finals, playing good, it’s better not to lose it.’
“I’m going to come there (to Shanghai) and try to do my best. I think the balls are different. I don’t know if the courts are different. For sure I need time to adapt.”
“I’m in good shape now. I want to continue playing good this season. It’s not over. A lot of points to try to gain.”
The Shanghai Masters is taking place for the first time since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last time it was held Medvedev won the title by beating Alexander Zverev in the final. Should he triumph yet again, he would finally end his run of not winning the same event twice. All of his previous 20 titles were won at different tournaments.
“This year I play four more tournaments and all of them I have won. so I hope I can break this thing and win one of them. I would be very happy.” He said.
“Every tournament on a hard court, not only on hard court but especially on hard court, that I didn’t win would be happy to try to get it in my career.”
Medvedev will be the second seed in Shanghai and is scheduled to start his campaign against Chile’s Cristian Garin this weekend.
