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Daniil Medvedev 2021
ATP Tennis Players, Daniil Medvedev, Tennis News

‘It’s a joke!’ Daniil Medvedev angry after opening round win in Tokyo


Daniil Medvedev was left unhappy after his opening round at the Olympic Games despite battling past Alexander Bublik in straight sets.

Following his victory on Saturday, the Russian urged organisers to delay the start times of Olympic tennis matches until the evening as players struggled in the high Tokyo temperatures.

The world number two defeated the Kazakh star 6-4, 7-6(8) in the first round, though admitted afterwards the conditions were ‘some of the worst’ he has ever played in.

“I think, like they do in Mexico, the matches should maybe start at like 6pm because the heat actually gets much lighter,” said Medvedev, whose match began just after midday with the temperature around 32 degrees.

“We’re here and we know the matches will be early and you couldn’t practise at this time. I don’t think they’re going to change it in the middle of the tournament, but that’s what can be done and the fact we have only one minute between changeovers is a joke.

“I think if you ask 200 tennis players here, I think 195 will say one minute is a joke and it should be 1:30 like it is in Asian tournaments.

“Where I live in summer in Cannes can be really hot, I’m not going to lie, but you have to play. That’s the Olympics, you go for the medal. You’re not here to cry about heat, it was really tough for both of us.”


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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.