“That’s the surface that suits him the most” – Medvedev wary of Rune’s clay-court prowess ahead of Italian Open final

Medvedev acknowledges Rune’s threat across all surfaces, but believes clay could be where he is most dangerous

Holger Rune, 2023 | © Panoramic

May 21, 2023

Holger Rune is rapidly establishing a reputation as one of the most dangerous opponents on tour.

Nowhere, other than at the Paris Masters last year, has this been more apparent than at this season’s Italian Open.

The recently-turned 20-year-old has knocked out Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud, in cold and slow clay-court conditions, back-to-back to reach the second Masters 1000 final of his career.

Rune and Medvedev in superb form ahead of Italian Open final

The young Dane will now face another of the tour’s most in-form players – Daniil Medvedev – in the final, and the threat posed by Rune on a clay court has not been lost on the Russian.

“Well, I said after I lost to him in Monte-Carlo, I think he’s one of top players on clay court. I think that’s the surface that suits him the most”, Medvedev said of his opponent.

The former world No. 1 is in superb form himself, having already taken four ATP titles this season. Despite having never previously warmed to the slow conditions of clay-court tennis, this year Medvedev has finally found his form on the red dirt of Europe.

In his post-match press conference, following his semi-final win over long-time rival Stefanos Tsitsipas, Medvedev acknowledged that Rune is a threat on every surface – such is his talent. However, the Russian believes that clay is where the Dane is most dangerous.

“We know he can play on other surfaces, also. He won Bercy. [But] I think that’s, let’s say, his favorite surface”.

From Monte-Carlo to the Italian Open

Rune and Medvedev are set to meet each other for the second time in just over a month, having never played each other prior to this season.

Their only previous meeting came at this season’s Monte-Carlo Masters in the quarter-final, a match that the young Dane won in straight sets en route to the final.

In what could quickly become a fascinating rivalry, given the form these two players are in, the pair will face off in a high stakes match, with a first clay-court Masters title on the line for both players.

Rune will have done his homework on his opponent’s form, however, and will also be well aware of the challenge in dislodging the Russian.

“Medvedev obviously starting to play much better on clay this season”, said Rune after his semi-final victory.

“It’s going to be interesting. I just got to recover now and try to play my best tomorrow”.

Whoever comes out on top will head into Roland-Garros as a strong contender for the title. With Rafael Nadal absent, and Novak Djokovic seemingly struggling with form and fitness, this year’s winner of the Italian Open must head to Paris as one of the strongest names in the field.