Google News Daniil Medvedev: I played better today than when I played against Alexander Zverev
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 7297
Daniil Medvedev made an interesting admission after losing to Taylor Fritz in the Diriyah Tennis Cup final. Medvedev, who had a first-round bye in Riyadh, saw off Alexander Zverev 6-0 6-4 in his first match at the tournament.
Then, Medvedev defeated Stan Wawrinka to set up a final meeting versus Fritz. Medvedev, who won the inaugural Diriyah Tennis Cup title in 2019, fell short of winning his second title at the tournament as Fritz edged out the Russian 7-6 (5) 7-6 (3).
“I think I played better today than when I played against Zverev but that’s how tennis goes. It was a great game against Taylor," Medvedev told the Diriyah Tennis Cup website.
Medvedev had his chances versus Fritz
The biggest reason why Medvedev lost to Fritz was his inability to convert his break point chances.
In the first set, Medvedev had break points in three different games. Medvedev, who didn't face a single break point in the first set, also didn't realize any of his six break points as he paid the price by losing the first set via a tie-break.
In the second set, Medvedev failed to convert any of his three break points in the fourth game. Once again, the set went into a tie-break as Fritz once again came up big to complete a two-set win. Even though Medvedev didn't win the title.
he enjoyed his stay in Saudi Arabia and promised to return to the tournament in the future. “It’s a great tournament. My second time and I feel very welcome coming here and I will be happy to come back many time.
It was a great atmosphere from the first match. Today was the biggest crowd I’ve seen here in the two years. Let’s hope next year for almost a fall stadium and, two years, a full stadium," Medvedev reflected.