Daniil Medvedev feels ‘a lot of pressure & motivation’ ahead of debut as World number one

New World number one, Daniil Medvedev, is set to make his first appearance on the ATP tour as World number one at the Indian Wells Masters.

The US Open champion claimed the number one spot on the 28th February after rival Novak Djokovic reached the quarter-finals in Dubai, whereas Medvedev bettered the Serbian’s result making the semi-finals at the Mexico Open.

Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference, Medvedev discussed the honor and the expectations of playing as the World number one for the first time, ”I think it’s a lot of pressure, but at the same time a lot of motivation. I’m going to try to do my best. It’s the same every tournament you play, try to gain as many points as possible.”

He also discussed further the caliber of players competing in the tournament and how difficult it will be for him to lift his fifth 1000 Masters title. ”“Here it’s 1,000 points. But of course the draw is very tough, a lot of strong players, so it’s not easy to make it.”

He faces some potentially tough opposition in the top quarter of the draw including players such as World number five Stefanos Tsitsipas, Carlos Alcaraz and defending Champion Cameron Norrie. If he is able to reach the semi-finals, he could potentially meet Rafael Nadal for a third tournament in a row.

Daniil Medvedev is set to play World number 158 Tomas Machac in his opening match of the tournament, hoping to claim his first ‘fifth Grand Slam’ title and first tournament win as World number one.

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