“I’m not sure after 30 years I’m going to want to play tennis” – Daniil Medvedev gives heart-wrenching account of playing against the “Big 3” after losing 2022 Australian Open final to Rafael Nadal

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Mario Fernandes

World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev delivers emotional message after 2022 Australian Open Final loss to Rafael Nadal

World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev delivered a damning assessment of his disappointing loss to Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final in Melbourne. Medvedev was 2 sets up and was close to break in the third set, before Nadal fought back to win in stunning fashion.

Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open 2022 final
Spain’s Rafael Nadal (L) shakes hands with Russia’s Daniil Medvedev after winning the men’s singles final match on day fourteen of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne early on January 31, 2022. – — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE — (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE — (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)

The Spaniard eventually won 2-6,6-7,6-4,6-4,7-5 in five hours and 24 minutes of brutal hitting. With this victory, Nadal became the first male player in the Open Era to win 21 Grand Slams. Medvedev was subject to boos and interruptions from the crowd, adding to his frustration of losing the last 3 sets. With Nadal being the clear crowd favourite, the Russian struggled to keep his composure in the vital moments.

In the post match conference, Medvedev delivered a lengthy monologue saying: “When I picked up a racquet when I was six years old, I mean, the time goes fast. When I was 12, practicing, playing some Russian tournaments, of course watching Grand Slams on the TV, big stars playing, fans supporting. You dream of being here.” 

“Well I guess these people were lying because yeah every time I stepped on the court in these big matches I really didn’t see much people who wanted me to win. It’s a cumulative thing but tonight was uh like, how you call it, like the top of the mountain.” (h/t Twitter)

Medvedev now has reached the finals of the Australian Open on two occasions, losing to both Djokovic and Nadal. His impressive form, however, in 2021, makes him among the favourites to pick up another Grand Slam this year. His impressive rise has also helped him edge closer to the World No. 1 spot.

Medvedev has been known for his outbursts and his blunt interviews. In the 2019 US Open, he was annoyed at the crowd reaction and visibly showed his distaste. Since then, the Russian has not been a fan-favourite on the tennis circuit.

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