Medvedev excited to play in Auckland
The next great superstar of men’s tennis, Daniil Medvedev has confirmed he will be playing at the ASB Classic in 2020.
On Monday, the 23-year-old Russian lost a thrilling five-set final of the US Open against Rafael Nadal.
But his two weeks in New York, on the back of an incredible string of results this year, further established Medvedev’s status as the player who can at last break the domination of the big three.
Before the US Open, Medvedev reached the finals of ATP tournaments three weeks in a row, culminating in his second win this year over Novak Djokovic, in Cincinnati.
It will be the first time Medvedev will have played in New Zealand and he says he’s looking forward to starting his season at the Classic.
‘‘I’ve heard a lot about Auckland and I’m looking forward to playing there,’’ Medvedev said.
‘‘I’ve got friends who’ve played there before and they talk about how much they enjoy it, so I’m excited to get there,’’ Medvedev said.
‘‘It has been a great last few weeks,’’ he added.
‘‘My game has really come together well and it is nice to be beating players I looked up to for so long.
‘‘To be here now alongside them and to break in to the top 5 for the first time is amazing.’’
Classic tournament director Karl Budge, who identified Medvedev early this year as one of the players to target, said he was thrilled to have secured one of the most hotly contested signatures on the circuit.
‘‘Daniil is in amazing form right now and only getting better,’’ Budge said yesterday.
‘‘Not many players have got multiple wins over Novak, let alone twice in one year.
‘‘He’s captured five titles already and I suspect this number is only going to grow.
‘‘Having the world No 4 is a huge get for us. He’s one of the highest ranked male players we’ve ever had come to Auckland.
‘‘With what we know we have up our sleeve, we are in great shape to quite possibly sell out the entire fortnight for the first time.’’
Medvedev has won 50 matches this year and has already qualified for the ATP Tour Finals in London, alongside Nadal, Djokovic and Roger Federer.
Unlike some young players who hide their personalities, Medvedev lets his shine and he won over the crowds at the US Open.
He has quickly earned the respect of not only tennis pundits and fans, but also other players, including Nadal.
‘‘First word I have to say to Daniil is his summer is one of the best summers I have ever saw in our sport since I started playing,’’ the Spaniard said. ‘‘Everybody saw why he is the No 4 player in the world at 23 years old.’’
US Open finalists Serena Williams and Bianca Andreescu have already been announced for the women’s ASB Classic.
The women’s week of the Classic is from January 6-12, followed by the men’s tournament from January 13-18.