Daniil Medvedev has had a promising start to his Italian Open campaign, booking his place in the Round of 16 at the tournament for the fourth time in his career.
Medvedev has now defeated both Cameron Norrie and Alexei Popyrin in straight sets at the Italian Open, which is the fifth Masters 1000 event of the 2025 ATP season.
In the next round, he will face Lorenzo Musetti, who feels he has a good chance against the Russian, despite never beating him before.
Following the match, the former world number one talked about his relationship with clay courts and explained something unique about Casper Ruud, who beat Medvedev at the Madrid Open.
Daniil Medvedev says he was surprised he couldn’t return any of Casper Ruud’s serves on clay
Speaking after his victory over Popyrin, Medvedev said: “On clay it’s just easier to return,” but explained that wasn’t the case for every opponent he comes up against.
He continued: “I think there are some guys like Casper and maybe Arthur Fils. They serve the same on hard and clay but because of the way they serve and the spin and the kick, it goes even faster on clay.”
“For example, [with] Casper, I was surprised in Madrid because I couldn’t return many of his serves, I had only two break points and one in the match.”
Ruud emerged victorious against Medvedev in the quarter-final of the Madrid Open, before going on to win the tournament.
Daniil Medvedev says his relationship with the clay surface is ‘actually great’
Medvedev has gotten progressively better on clay over his career, with a maiden title on the surface arriving in 2023 at the Italian Open, where he defeated Holger Rune in the final.
On his current feelings about clay, Medvedev said: “It’s actually great. I do believe that my higher level is on hard court where I can win Grand Slams, but I think I saw something saying haven’t lost against a non-top 20 player on clay for a long time.”
“So I’m feeling good, I know that I can play well. It’s not easy against guys like Carlos or Casper, really heavy clay courters, but even against Casper, I was quite close in Madrid and he won the tournament.”
“I’m looking forward to try and do something big here in Rome.”
Medvedev’s next clash against Musetti will be their third ever, with the former US Open champion leading the head-to-head 2-0.
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