Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev has identified a “clear trend” that has emerged in tennis and asserted it is causing “immense” physical strain and “more and more injuries” for players.
The 2021 US Open champion believes tennis is “getting slower” and admitted he is “not sure” he likes the trend despite it being “good” for his own game. He highlighted tennis balls becoming heavier and the speed of the courts being made slower as the reasons for the game is slowing down.
Daniil Medvedev was highly critical of the ball being used in tournaments in China during the Asian hard-court swing last year due to the heaviness.
A number of players, including Novak Djokovic, have also suggested in recent months that the frequent changing of balls from one event to the next is contributing to shoulder and wrist injuries.
During a press conference at the Vienna Open in October, Medvedev warned the ball issues could have serious physical consequences for players if not addressed.
“You hit the ball ten times and you have the feeling that every time it becomes bigger, bigger and bigger. It swells a lot. I don’t want to feel shoulder pain for the rest of my life. I hope a solution can be found,” he proclaimed.
In an interview with Clay, Medvedev raised the ball talking point again and also touched on court speed when asked if he sees any trends in tennis currently.
“The balls are getting heavier. The courts are getting slower. We only see rallies, rallies, rallies. That was different five years ago. Ten years ago, it was different again,” the 28-year-old said.
“So, that’s a clear trend. Let’s see where it develops. Maybe in ten years, we’ll have the fastest hard courts ever. And it’ll be all about serve and volley. Life goes forward and backward.
“Right now, tennis is getting slower. I’m not sure if I really like it. But it’s good for my tennis. However, the physical strain is immense. There are more and more injuries, especially now.”
The world No 4 also gave insight into how he is working on introducing new elements into his game to “surprise” his rivals.
“I want to surprise my opponents with new weapons. And develop new tactical moves. That’s the plan and my goal. Now I just have to get it onto the court. That’s the most important thing,” the Russian explained.
“Let’s see how it goes in Indian Wells and if I can incorporate some new elements into my game there. I started doing that in Australia. Very cautiously.
“You can’t approach something like that radically and change everything from the first match. Especially not at a Grand Slam tournament. But I’m sure I’ll surprise people in Indian Wells.”
Medvedev is in action at the 2024 Indian Wells Open, where he will face world No 29 Sebastian Korda in the second round on Monday. He was a runner-up at the event in 2023, when he lost to Carlos Alcaraz.
