By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Sunday, November 10, 2024
Photo: Shi Tang/Getty
Struggling to finish what he starts leaves Daniel Medvedev eager for the end of the year.
Showing his frustration, Medvedev broke his racket, smashed the court microphone and was hit with a penalty point for unsportsmanlike conduct during his 6-4, 6-3 loss to Taylor Fritz in the ATP finals.
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Afterwards, Medvedev said fatigue from a long season, frustration with Dunlop’s heavy balls that he says make it difficult to finish points, and anger at a beaten arm from Fritz that fell to seal the break service decider in the second set all but ended the fun. playing today.
“The balls make everybody can (play long rallies) now. So not surprised at all,” Medvedev said. “I’ve had this every day, day after day, for two, three years. Every practice is a struggle. Every match is a fight.
“I’ve held on for a long time. Now I feel zero satisfaction being on the pitch.”
Medvedev, who reeled off three double faults in a row to lose the first set, was philosophical in defeat.
“I always fight. As I said, I have been fighting for a long time with something that does not depend on me,” said Medvedev. “I’m a good fighter. I’m still 4 in the world. It could be 5 if Taylor plays well here. Still pretty good. I’m sure a lot of guys would love it.
“But now I’m tired of fighting it. I’m tired of fighting against something that’s not up to me. I’ll see how it goes. Today I actually had my chances. I’ll have them in the games next If it doesn’t work, I go on vacation.
