“The Biggest Challenge to Novak”: Dominic Thiem Feels Daniil Medvedev Is the Biggest Challenger at US Open 2021

Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev has been in sensational form at the moment. Whenever the tennis shifts towards the hardcourt season in the North American region, his level shifts a gear or two up higher. He has already won the Toronto Masters earlier this month. 

Recently, Daniil Medvedev was praised by fellow rival Dominic Thiem. The Austrian star felt that the World No. 2 player from Russia can pose as the biggest threat to Novak Djokovic from stopping him from winning the fourth and final Grand Slam this season. 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – Daniil Medvedev of Russia and Dominic Thiem of Austria tap rackets at centercourt after Thiem won their Men’s Singles semifinal match on Day Twelve of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The 2020 US Open champion spoke on this and stated, “It is super different, super interesting to watch but very very tough to play. Because he doesn’t miss, great service and a great return. He’s really tall but moves so well for such a big player. So he has no weaknesses that make him very difficult and also he’s super-fit.”

The Austrian star holds Daniil Medvedev in high regard

Thiem spoke about Daniil’s unique style of play. He finds it interesting to watch the big Russian player and complimented him for his great accuracy in his shot-making as well as his services. He also felt Daniil has a slight edge over the likes of Tsitsipas and Zverev.

Aug 15, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Daniil Medvedev of Russia waves to fans after defeating Reilly Opelka of the United States in the finals of the National Bank Open at Aviva Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The 27-year-old further added, “That makes him, in my opinion, maybe the biggest challenge to Novak. He has that slight advantage over Stefanos and Sascha that he already played two Slam finals. And I think, each final you lose is a bad experience. But still, if you participate in it, a huge experience for the following ones.”

Coming to the present, Daniil won his opening round match against Richard Gasquet. He won the match in straight sets and booked a spot in the following round. We wish him the best of luck for the upcoming matches. 

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