Daniil Medvedev admits he needs to be at the top of his game when he takes on Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the BNP Paribas Open on Sunday.
The world No.4 sealed his place in the title match at Indian Wells by outlasting Tommy Paul 1-7, 7-6(3), 6-2, in what was a rain-interrupted encounter. Medvedev found himself trailing early on and then lost a 4-0 advantage in the second set. Despite the blip, the Russian managed to bounce back with the help of 26 winners.
“Tommy just showed everyone how to beat me, how to play on the lines, full power,” the former US Open champion said in tribute to his opponent.
“He was playing pretty unbelievable, and I didn’t know what to do, so the only thing I could do was try to continue to search for solutions. I also played good, but he had a little bit of a down moment at the beginning of the second set, which gave me some confidence and some time to see more of what I can do.’
“I’m happy in the end I managed to find solutions and break through his excellent game.”
It is the 10th time in Medvedev’s career that he has reached the final of a Masters 1000. Indian Wells is the only hard court tournament in the series that he is yet to win.
Aiming to capture his first trophy in the desert, Medvedev will take on Alcaraz in the final who beat him at the same stage of the tournament 12 months ago. In his semi-final match, Alcaraz ended Jannik Sinner’s 19-match winning streak with a 1-6, 6-3, 6-2, victory. The Spaniard bidding to win his first Tour title since Wimbledon last year.
Medvedev is fully aware of the test he faces against the 20-year-old after losing to him in three out of their four previous meetings. His sole triumph was last September at the US Open.
“I know if I want to win I have to give my all, 11 out of 10, 20 out of 10, whatever. That’s the way I entered the match with Carlos in the US Open,” he commented.
“I still feel this way, especially on this court. I think today (Saturday) he showed exactly why I personally think this court suits him perfectly. Little slow bounce from time to time to give him time, and he doesn’t care about the wind here and that the ball doesn’t travel through the air.
“If I want to win, I will try to see what can I do tactically.”
As for Alcaraz, he is high in confidence heading into the clash. He is currently on an 11-match winning streak in Indian Wells and is bidding to become the first player outside the Big Three to consecutive titles since Andre Agassi.
“Against Daniil, I know how I have to play against him. I have played him many times, he said.
“I know pretty well the tactics against him.”
This year’s Indian Well’s final will be the sixth tour meeting between Medvedev and Alcaraz with the Spaniard leading their head-to-head 3-2.
