Daniil Medvedev wins first ATP Masters 1000 title on clay, defeating Holger Rune 6-3, 7-5 in the final of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. Medvedev, who is the world No. 2, had never won a match in three previous appearances in Rome. But he was in top form on Sunday, breaking Rune’s serve six times and never facing a break point himself.
He was particularly impressive on his first serve, winning 83% of his points behind it. He also hit 20 aces, including one on match point. Rune, who is the world No. 10, was making his first appearance in a Masters 1000 final. He showed flashes of brilliance, but he was unable to sustain his level of play against Medvedev. The win for Medvedev is a major boost ahead of the French Open, which begins next week. He is now the favorite to win the title in Paris.
Medvedev’s Career Trajectory
Medvedev has been one of the most consistent players on the ATP Tour in recent years. He has reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slams and has won 13 ATP titles. Medvedev reached his highest ranking of world No. 1 in February 2022. He held the top spot for 13 weeks before being overtaken by Novak Djokovic. Medvedev has been a bit of a slow starter on clay in his career. He had never won a match in Rome before this year, and he had only reached the quarterfinals of the French Open once.
However, Medvedev has shown signs of improvement on clay in recent years. He reached the semifinals of the Madrid Open in 2021 and the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Open in 2022. The win in Rome is a major breakthrough for Medvedev on clay. It shows that he is now a contender to win the French Open.
Medvedev’s Game and Strengths
Medvedev is a big, powerful player with a strong serve and a solid all-around game. He is also a very intelligent player who is able to adapt his game to different surfaces and opponents. Medvedev’s strengths include his serve, his forehand, and his return of serve. He has one of the best serves on the tour, and he is able to hit his forehand with a lot of power and precision. He is also a very good returner, and he is able to put his opponents on the defensive with his returns.
Medvedev’s weaknesses include his backhand and his movement. His backhand is not as powerful or consistent as his forehand, and he can struggle against opponents who are able to take the ball early on his backhand side. He is also not the most mobile player on the tour, and he can struggle against opponents who are able to move him around the court.
Medvedev’s Chances at the French Open
Medvedev is now the favorite to win the French Open. He has the game and the experience to win the title, and he has shown that he can be successful on clay. However, the French Open is a very difficult tournament, and there are a number of other players who will be looking to win the title. Medvedev will need to play his best tennis if he wants to lift the trophy in Paris.
Conclusion
Daniil Medvedev is a world-class tennis player who has the potential to win multiple Grand Slam titles. Daniil Medvedev Wins First ATP Masters in Rome is a major breakthrough for him on clay, and it shows that he is now a contender to win the French Open.