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Daniil Medvedev 2021

‘I am really disappointed with myself’, Daniil Medvedev gutted after Olympic defeat


Daniil Medvedev insisted he let himself down following his quarter-final defeat to Pablo Carreno Busta at Tokyo Olympics.

Again, the Russian struggled in the heat, leaving the court to change clothes after losing the opening set. Despite giving everything to stage a comeback, he fell 6-2 7-6 to Carreno Busta in one hour and 43 minutes.

“I was just surprised at his level,” Medvedev said. “Because today he could win Masters easily and yet he’s never been in any final of those. A Grand Slam is different, but with the level here today he can go in final of the Grand Slam. Easy.”

“And about me, I am always trying to do my best. I couldn’t play better than what I did today. I could serve better, but then I was wet like hell. I couldn’t toss the ball well, once I tossed the ball and got water in my eyes.

“It was not easy to play and I’m really disappointed with myself and for my country to lose in the quarters.”

“I changed everything I had (clothes). I wanted to change my skin because I was sweating like I never did before. It was terrible.”

Playing under the sun in humid conditions against Fabio Fognini in Wednesday’s last 16 match, Medvedev struggled to breathe and said he was on the verge of collapsing.

The Russian thanked Djokovic for asking the ITF to delay the quarter-final matches to avoid stifling conditions.

“Novak is the man, thanks to him. I didn’t enjoy the conditions still, but it was much better than playing at 11,” Medvedev added.


Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.