Daniil Medvedev explains what is different about the clay courts in Monte Carlo this year as he prepares to play the tournament

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Daniil Medvedev has gone through a tumultuous relationships with clay courts throughout his career.

Medvedev is currently ranked outside the top 10 for the first time since February 2023, after losing his only match at the Miami Open.

The former world number one now switches his attention to clay, where he has had mixed results over the years.

Despite this, the last title that Medvedev won came on clay at the Italian Open, in what is his only trophy lift on the surface.

Daniil Medvedev explains what is different about the Monte Carlo courts this year

It is no secret that Medvedev isn’t the biggest fan of clay, and he has sometimes had rants on court about his dislike for the surface.

However, clay is not the only surface that he has shown his disapproval towards, with Medvedev critical of the Indian Wells courts as well last month.

When speaking to the tournament ahead of the 2025 Monte Carlo Masters, Medvedev actually compared the pace of the clay courts to those in Indian Wells and Miami.

The main difference that Medvedev appeared to point out was the necessity to slide, as well as the height of the bounce.

“This year it’s pretty funny because I came away after Indian Wells and Miami and I felt that both were pretty slow, even if Miami is faster,” said Medvedev. “I came on clay and I swear I do not see any difference except sliding and the bounce is higher – sometimes a bad bounce.

“Sliding is for sure different in terms of movement but the speed, I would say it’s almost faster than hard courts right now clay courts. It is definitely not much slower and it’s basically the same story.

“You need to construct the point. On hard courts you can’t any more hit one shot and too good and angle and win the point. You need to make seven good shots or just push the ball and wait for the mistake.

“It’s kind of the same on clay courts. So I actually feel good this year because I don’t change anything from my game from hard courts.”

Daniil Medvedev’s mixed record at the Monte Carlo Masters

Medvedev is making his sixth appearance at the Monte Carlo Masters this year, with the Russian having mixed results at the tournament over the years.

The world number 11 actually produced his best result at the event six years ago, with Medvedev beating Novak Djokovic en route to the semi-finals.

However, he did not find so much success in 2024, with Medvedev arguing with umpires in both of his matches before losing to compatriot Karen Khachanov.

With Medvedev no longer one of the top eight seeds in these tournaments, he does not receive an automatic bye to the second round.

Instead, the 29-year-old faces a tough opener against Khachanov, the player who beat him last year and is a former top 10 player.