Medvedev: 'Federer, Djokovic are aliens'

Tennis player Daniil Medvedev believes that his two seniors Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are the best at the upcoming Wimbledon grass court Grand Slam.

After struggling through the second round of the Halle Open, a grass-court warm-up event for Wimbledon, Medvedev admitted he struggled with the surface. "This surface is really difficult for me," he said. "You can play well but still lose the tie-break. It's really strange for me."

Medvedev is currently ranked third in the ATP rankings and has never reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. Photo: ATP — Medvedev is currently ranked third in the ATP rankings and has never reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. Photo: *ATP*

Medvedev lost 5-7 in the second set tie-break against Laslo Djere despite possessing one of the best serves on the ATP. He then won the third set 6-3 to set up a quarter-final against Roberto Bautista Agut.

"When I see Federer and Djokovic playing on this surface, I feel like they are aliens," Medvedev added. "The way they move and handle situations is unique. On this surface, a top player can lose to anyone. But Federer and Djokovic have won a lot."

Medvedev said he tried to watch as many matches as Federer and Djokovic could to learn from them. The Russian has 20 ATP Tour titles but has only won once on grass, in Mallorca in 2021. Medvedev also played well at the Halle Open last year, losing to Hubert Hurkacz in the final.

Federer and Djokovic are the two most successful men at Wimbledon, with eight and seven titles respectively. Federer also holds the record for winning the Halle Open a record 10 times – where he returned earlier this week for a tribute by the organisers.

Medvedev is the top seed at the Halle Open this year. The other top seeds in the quarterfinals are Andrey Rublev, Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev. After this tournament, players have two ATP 250 events in Mallorca and Eastbourne to prepare for Wimbledon, which starts on July 3.

Vy Anh

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