Daniil Medvedev does not agree with the criticism of the brand new two-week format launched in Madrid and Rome because the 2021 US Open champion thinks it’s really an amazing factor that may solely reduce accidents and assist high gamers carry out higher on the largest stage.
Beginning this yr, each clay Masters and WTA 1000 tournaments – Madrid and Rome – are happening over two weeks.
However in Madrid, a few large names questioned the newly-introduced format and the logic and sense behind it. Most notably, 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina stated the sport goes in “the wrong way” with these modifications and that these items aren’t benefiting gamers in any respect. Additionally, Rybakina name-dropped Ashleigh Barty and appeared to warn the WTA that extra circumstances of high stars retiring early might comply with sooner or later if some issues maintain occurring.
Caroline Garcia, the 2022 WTA Finals champion, additionally criticized the two-week format, saying that “the whole lot goes slowly” and that she has but to search out somebody who thinks it is a good concept.
However ATP former world No. 1 Medvedev – who retired injured in his Madrid quarterfinal match – is all in for the two-week format and thinks it will possibly solely lower the chance of gamers getting injured since they’ve a time without work and general extra time to relaxation through the match.
“If we use logic it must be the opposite method round, as a result of you may have days of relaxation. Personally, I do like this two-week format. It isn’t two weeks, it is a week and a half,” Medvedev stated.
“I prefer it when there are days of relaxation, and I believe that the format provides extra significance to those tournaments: whenever you get to the Tour you recognize that you need to do effectively in these Masters and select the number of tournaments properly. Personally, I prefer it, and I do not assume that accidents come due to it. this format.”
Medvedev on his adductor damage
On Thursday, Medvedev took on the courtroom to play his Madrid quartefinal match in opposition to Jiri Lehecka. Up 3-2 within the first set, Medvedev was compelled to go away the courtroom for an off-court medical timeout.
When Medvedev returned to the courtroom, he resumed play however his motion was impacted and he seemed concern. After Lehecka claimed a break ninth sport and served out for the primary set within the following sport, Medvedev determined to retire.
After retiring from the match, Medvedev defined what precisely occurred on the market and why he in the end determined to finish the match.
“I do not know if I felt it on the return or on the dropshot, however after I ran, I wished to run sooner and sooner through the motion, and instantly felt my hip, like, form of blocked. And I could not dash like whenever you pressure a muscle in all probability or have a spasm, which could be very powerful to know which of the 2,” Medvedev defined.
“So then working with the physio, after which requested him if I might make it worse. He stated if it is a tear, then sure. If it is a spasm, no. I attempted to go to play, and my thoughts was not letting me go full, so on the finish of the set, I used to be, like, if I need to proceed, I simply attempt to dash to the web. If I do not really feel something, I attempt to go slightly bit extra full and see the way it goes. After I sprinted, I felt ache. So I used to be, like, no must proceed.”
Medvedev admits he’s a doubt for the Rome Masters
The obvious adductor damage did not come at a very good time for Medvedev because the Rome Masters is beginning Wednesday, Might eighth. With only a few days left earlier than the match begins, Medvedev can relaxation a bit and get some therapy however it’s nonetheless not a lot time to deal with an damage.
After retiring in opposition to Lehecka, Medvedev acknowledged his Rome participation was in a doubt but additionally famous he would first should do some checks and see the place he was earlier than making any ultimate selections.
“Proper now, sure, for sure. I must see the images and speak to my group. It might be nice to have the ability to come again after successful the title final yr, however I must see what damage I’ve, as a result of proper now I don’t know if It’s one thing very critical, barely critical or in no way critical,” Medvedev stated.
If Medvedev will not be capable of play Rome, that may be extraordinarily disappointing since he gained his first clay title at Foro Italico final yr.
