Every Match is a Struggle

By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Sunday, November 10, 2024

Photo credit: Shi Tang/Getty

Struggling to finish what he starts leaves Daniil Medvedev eager for the end of the year.

Showing his frustration, Medvedev smashed his racquet, broke a court-side microphone and was hit with a point penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct during his 6-4, 6-3 loss to Taylor Fritz at the ATP Finals.

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Afterward, Medvedev said fatigue from a long season, frustration over the heavy Dunlop balls that he says makes it tough to finish points, and fury over a shanked forehand from Fritz that fell in to seal the crucial second-set service break all drained the pleasure of playing today. 

“The balls make that everyone can [play long rallies] now. So not at all surprised,” Medvedev said. “I have this every day, day in, day out, since like two, three years. Every practice is a struggle. Every match is a struggle.

“I was holding for long time. Now I feel zero pleasure of being on the court.”

Medvedev, who dumped three double faults in a row to drop the first set, was philosophical in defeat.

“I always fight. As I said, since long time I fight with something that doesn’t depend on myself,” Medvedev said. “I’m a good fighter. I am still 4 in the world. Might be 5 if Taylor plays good here. Still pretty decent. I’m sure a lot of guys would like it.

“But now I’m tired to fight it. I’m tired to fight against something that doesn’t depend on myself. I’ll see how it goes. Today actually I had my chances. I’ll have them the next matches. If it doesn’t work out, I go on holiday. I’m happy.”