After struggling on clay courts, Daniil Medvedev may be relieved that the clay court season is over. However, his performance at the Libema Open was not up to his expectations. In the second round of the ‘s-Hertogenbosch tournament, the 34-year-old Frenchman Adrian Mannarino outplayed Medvedev in a two-hour match that ended with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
It’s worth noting that Mannarino, despite not being one of the top-ranked players on the ATP circuit and being closer to the end of his career, has had a decent year in 2023. Following his victory over Medvedev, he advanced to his fourth tour-level quarterfinal. While he may not be winning many tournaments, he is certainly achieving more success than most could hope for.
Indeed, Adrian Mannarino has a notable achievement at the Libema Open, as he emerged victorious in 2019. This previous win would undoubtedly instill confidence in him. Additionally, Mannarino seems to pose a challenge for Daniil Medvedev. With a head-to-head record of 4-2 in Mannarino’s favor, it is evident that he has had success against Medvedev in their past encounters. Moreover, when competing in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Mannarino has won two out of the three matches they have played. These statistics highlight the competitiveness between the two players and Mannarino’s ability to trouble Medvedev.
Daniil Medvedev ousted by Adrian Mannarino at the Libema Open
On Thursday, Adrian Mannarino showcased exceptional shot placement, utilizing the angles effectively to secure his victory over Daniil Medvedev. By constantly keeping Medvedev on the move and preventing him from finding his rhythm, Mannarino gained an edge. Additionally, Mannarino’s ability to keep his returns low forced Medvedev to repeatedly retrieve the ball from the grass surface.
Although Medvedev has already clinched five titles this year, with one surprising victory on clay, his early exit from the Libema Open raises concerns about his upcoming performance at Wimbledon in a few weeks’ time. While Medvedev has the capability to achieve remarkable feats, such as his straight-set victory over Novak Djokovic in the 2021 US Open final, he seems to be less threatening in significant tournaments at present. With the emergence of Carlos Alcaraz as the “Next Great Thing,” Medvedev no longer holds that distinction. Nevertheless, Medvedev can use this time to rest and focus on honing his skills for the upcoming Wimbledon tournament.
