CNN
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Daniil Medvedev revealed one purpose behind his unbelievable type this yr after profitable the Italian Open: new racket strings.
The Russian world No. 2 has been utilizing a distinct model of Technifbre strings and mentioned the change to his recreation has been “unbelievable” since making the change forward of the Australian Open.
He has now gained 5 titles this yr – probably the most in his profession – and Sunday’s 7-5 7-5 victory towards Denmark’s Holger Rune within the Italian Open last marked the primary trophy he has captured on clay.
“I believe the strings assist me … as a result of they’re simply softer so the ball goes simpler,” Medvedev advised reporters after defeating Rune.
“Straightaway in Australia really the place I misplaced, with my coach we have been like, ‘Wow, I’ve the straightforward depth on the ball, which is wonderful,’”
“In Australia, it didn’t work. I used to be 100% doubting myself. Ought to I am going again to the outdated ones, I used to be taking part in good with them? I mentioned no, let’s attempt extra. Now it’s unbelievable.”
After a one-hour, 40-minute delay as a consequence of rain in Rome, Medvedev battled by way of a good first set towards Rune, saving two break factors at 2-2 earlier than securing the essential break at 6-5 when he raced to the online and pounced on a drop shot.
The 20-year-old Rune responded with two breaks within the second set to take a 5-3 lead, however from there Medvedev asserted his baseline dominance and gained the following 4 video games to wrap up the win.
Having gained most of his titles – together with his US Open triumph in 2021 – on laborious courts, victory on clay on the Italian Open is a breakthrough second for the 27-year-old Medvedev.
Following Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal from the French Open final week, the second grand slam of the calendar yr is tough to foretell with World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and 22-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic main the lads’s singles draw.
However Medvedev, who has by no means progressed past the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, will really feel assured. He needed to defeat the likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev throughout his Italian Open marketing campaign and has climbed 5 locations within the males’s rankings this yr.
“This one is particular as a result of I didn’t suppose it was going to have the ability to occur, (that I used to be) going to have the ability to make it,” he mentioned of his newest title.
“I nonetheless type of don’t imagine – not that I gained it, however that I performed so effectively this week. I don’t imagine it. The best way I performed, I’m actually comfortable. Completely happy to have this trophy again residence in a while.”
The French Open takes place from Could 28 to June 11 and Medvedev, whose floor strokes look stronger than ever earlier than, has emerged as a robust contender.
