Daniil Medvedev isn’t holding back in Shanghai, where the Russian tennis ace has been sparking controversy by calling out the tournament’s choice of tennis balls – balls that, according to Medvedev, “fall apart after just five games.” The Russian powerhouse, who’s set to face Italian star Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals, believes these fragile balls could give players like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz an “extra advantage” on the court.
In a moment that fans are sure to remember, Medvedev showcased his frustration by writing “nice balls” on one and flashing it on TV with a knowing smile. But he hasn’t let these ball-related setbacks hold him back. After clinching a win against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Round of 16 with a 7-6, 6-3 victory, Medvedev is now more motivated than ever, saying, “I’m fighting and I wanna go all the way.”
Taking on the World’s Best—No Holding Back
When asked about his chances against Sinner, Medvedev confidently replied, “I’ll always fight till the end. Jannik and I have had a lot of tough battles, and that’s what I’m bringing tomorrow.” He added that both Sinner and Alcaraz, now at the top of their game, are “probably the best players in the world.”
And while the balls may be a sore point, Medvedev’s respect for the top contenders remains unchanged. Drawing inspiration from 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, Medvedev warned, “Never underestimate Novak. The moment you do, he bites back,” with a chuckle. Medvedev, who has gone toe-to-toe with Djokovic 15 times, knows firsthand that underestimating a great opponent can be a costly mistake. “He’s still the one to beat, even with Alcaraz and Sinner rising fast,” Medvedev noted.
The “Ball Debate” Divides Fans: Advantage or Excuse?
While Medvedev calls out the Shanghai Masters for choosing “faulty” balls, fans are buzzing: do these balls truly favor heavy hitters like Alcaraz and Sinner, or is Medvedev just throwing out a preemptive excuse? Tennis enthusiasts remember Medvedev’s bittersweet praise for Djokovic after their 2023 US Open final, where despite a hard-fought match, Medvedev ultimately fell to Djokovic.
“When we first played, I was probably 500th in the world, and he treated me like a normal person. That hasn’t changed despite his 24 Grand Slams.” Even in defeat, Medvedev sees Djokovic as a “driving force” in his career, constantly pushing him to improve.
As Medvedev readies himself for the quarterfinal showdown, the question remains: will his grit and determination carry him past the “crazy power” of Sinner and these controversial balls?
