Alcaraz “like the big three” – Medvedev sees very bright future for first-time Wimbledon finalist
Medvedev was beaten by the Spaniard in three dominant sets as Alcaraz reached his first Wimbledon final
Carlos Alcaraz through to Wimbledon final 2023 © Antoine Couvercelle / Panoramic
Daniil Medvedev has many reasons to feel positive about his time in SW19.
For one thing, he has broken new ground at a Grand Slam where he usually struggles, on a surface that – prior to this summer’s Championships – has been nearly as problematic for the Russian during his career as clay courts have been.
For the first time at Wimbledon, Medvedev was a genuine threat. He was producing the sort of performances that most in tennis circles have long thought he could only achieve on hard courts.
Medvedev recognises greatness in Carlos Alcaraz
The second reason to feel positive is that Medvedev was knocked out by a player who may one day go down as one of the very greatest of all time.
Carlos Alcaraz will go on to achieve spectacular things in his career. His defeated Wimbledon last four opponent was the first to acknowledge this.
“Yeah, I mean, he’s a very strong player,” Medvedev said in his post-match press conference.
“I would say in general to compare like the big three, they’re amazing, they win so many Grand Slams, they win so many matches.
“He’s kind of like them. He’s still 20. Already has one Grand Slam. Playing great. Been No. 1 for many, many weeks.”
While Medvedev is philosophical about his defeat to one of the brightest players on the planet, there remains a resolve to rise to the challenge rather than to accept inferiority.
For a player who has already achieved US Open glory in the era of the ‘Big Three’, there is reason to be optimistic in the face of the ominous challenge that Alcaraz poses.
“At the same time I managed before in my career to beat the best players in the world, including some of the big three. Never beat Roger, but we never played also when I started to be really in the top 10 in a way.
“You have to play your best. You have to play your absolute best. As you say, as I say, I didn’t play bad, but I didn’t play my absolute best. Against someone like Carlos, Novak, Rafa, you need to be at your best.
“Maybe against other guys you can be playing not bad, you’re going to have your chances, during the match you’re going to find something to work with.
“With Carlos, you need to be at your absolute best and that’s how you can win. Unfortunately, I was not.”
Medvedev disappointed not to have pushed Alcaraz
Despite taking the positives from his best ever showing at Wimbledon, Medvedev has been left to rue a missed opportunity to really push Alcaraz – a feat he believes was possible given the testing nature of prior matches the Spaniard had in the tournament.
“There were players who were causing trouble to Carlos. Jarry won a set and was up in the fourth with a break. Berrettini for a set and a half was causing big troubles.
“I unfortunately didn’t manage to do it. That’s where I’m disappointed. I’m like, Other guys could, and I didn’t manage to do it here in the semis.”
Nevertheless, Daniil Medvedev knows the positives of his run at SW19 outweigh the negatives. The Russian will now turn his attention to where he has historically had the most success in his career – the North American hard-court swing.
Medvedev is formidable on hard courts, and has found particular success in the late summer stretch in Canada and the US.
Alcaraz has what it takes to beat Djokovic, Medvedev believes
Before that, though, there is small matter of the Wimbledon final to be resolved, and Medvedev has his verdict on who might triumph in Sunday’s tantalising final.
When asked whether he thought Alcaraz had what it takes to beat Djokovic in the final, Medvedev’s answer was clear – “I think, yes.”
However, always careful with his words, he then added, “I think we cannot say who’s going to win for sure. I think could be a tough match.”
Whatever the case, with Roger Federer’s recent retirement, and Rafael Nadal‘s imminent exit from the sport, it appears that – miraculously – Wimbledon 2023’s final will showcase yet another match-up between two of tennis’ greats.
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