Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Medvedev Battles to Victory in Monte-Carlo, Hampered by Cramps
World No. 11 Daniil Medvedev secured a hard-fought victory at the Monte-Carlo Masters against Karen Khachanov, but the triumph was immediately followed by physical distress. After clinching the 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 win in a nearly three-hour marathon match, the Russian tennis star experienced severe cramps, necessitating on-court physiotherapy.
Tense Match Culminates in Physical Strain
Medvedev’s path to the second round was anything but straightforward. Despite seizing an early lead of 5-1 in the first set, Khachanov mounted a strong comeback. However, Medvedev managed to close out the set 7-5. The second set saw Medvedev initially break serve, only to lose four consecutive games, forcing a decisive third set.
The final set was a back-and-forth affair, with both players exchanging breaks. Although Medvedev faltered while trying to serve for the match, he ultimately broke Khachanov’s serve one last time, concluding the grueling contest after two hours and 51 minutes. The immediate aftermath of match point revealed Medvedev visibly struggling as he limped to the net for the customary handshake. He then promptly retreated to his bench, clutching his thigh and signaling for medical assistance.
On-Court Physio Required After Match Point
Commentator Mikey Perera observed, “He’s cramped up here completely and he’s just looking at the muscle on his leg that is cramping up, and he is asking for the physio to come out to court.”
In evident pain, Medvedev exclaimed, “F***ing hell,” while massaging his thigh. Upon the physio’s arrival, the 2021 US Open champion explained that the cramping sensation had begun “two points, two points before the match [ended].”
Surprisingly, the initial treatment appeared to intensify the discomfort. Medvedev continued to express his pain audibly before attempting to rise from his seat.
Co-commentator Miles Maclagan commented on Medvedev’s resilience, stating, “It’s amazing he got through those last couple of points, he had to work hard to get through them, there was plenty to be done.”
Medvedev Reflects on Victory and Fitness
Fortunately, the cramping eventually subsided, allowing Medvedev to proceed with his post-match interview. He commented on his preparation, saying, “I practiced very well before the tournament, I practiced better than I played today even if I played well.”
Acknowledging the challenges of clay, he added, “It’s my first match on clay, it’s not my favourite surface so just some important points, some shot decisions was not good enough but I’m happy to win.”
Medvedev noted the unpredictable nature of clay court matches, “I watched matches today on clay and there were a lot of breaks, all of them up-and-down. I think Karen didn’t hit one ace, maybe once, and he’s a big server. So it was pretty slow but happy with my level in general.”
Overcoming Recent Setbacks
Beyond the immediate cramping incident, Medvedev indicated a positive outlook following recent health concerns. He stated, “I mean, actually, I’ve been unlucky with Doha and Miami because Miami I was feeling better and better throughout the season, Doha I was feeling better and better during the tournament, but it’s okay, it’s part of tennis.”
He elaborated on his recovery, “We play 20 tournaments around the world, everything happens and we saw it this year with many players, it’s always a little bit tricky. But I’m feeling good, I came back. I actually was a bit scared after Miami because I was actually not feeling well there. Did the tests, nothing.”
Medvedev concluded on a positive note regarding his clay court preparation, “So just couple of days of rest and was good to go. So happy about it, had a long preparation for clay, first time in probably five, six years, and it helped me to play good today.”