Daniil Medvedev insists a player will DIE at US Open if they are forced to continue playing in New York’s severe heat
Daniil Medvedev insists player will DIE at US Open if forced to continue playing in scorching New York heat
- Medvedev said during the match that ‘one player will die’ on the pitch one day
- The number 3 in the world defeated compatriot and friend Andrei Rublev 6-4 6-3 6-4
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World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev has tipped the US Open in a furious outburst during his quarterfinal win against compatriot Andrey Rublev.
On another steaming hot day with temperatures in the mid-1990s (32 degrees Celsius), Medvedev handled the stifling humidity and heat at Arthur Ashe Stadium better than eighth-placed Rublev, who reached the Flushing Meadows semi-finals for the fourth time in five minutes. pulled out. year.
Despite taking the win, Medvedev was not happy playing in such difficult conditions. The 2021 champion lamented to the camera as he wiped off the sweat in the third set and vented his frustrations.
“One player dies. And they’ll see,” said Medvedev before powering up for a 6-4 6-3 6-4 win.
The all-Russian match lacked the excitement and drama of the all-American late night showdown between Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton hours earlier, but the sight of two seeds battling each other and the elements was no less compelling.
World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev was furious about the need to play through New York’s stifling temperatures
Medvedev outlived his compatriot and good friend Andrey Rublev on Wednesday 6-4 6-3 6-4
“The only good thing I see in these circumstances is that both are suffering,” Medvedev said. “Usually there isn’t one who suffers, so it’s hard on both of us.
“To be honest, I couldn’t see the ball at the end of the first set,” he said.
“I played with sensations a bit. I just tried to go for it, tried to run, tried to catch the balls and he did the same.
“Sometimes before the points I thought ‘wow, it looks like he can’t run anymore’… but he was there all the time and I thought ‘damn, when is he going to get tired?'” Medvedev added.
“But actually we were tired all the time. So yes, harsh conditions and super hard to win.’
He then compared the battle for Russia at the Olympics as the only comparison to Flushing Meadows conditions.
“This and the Tokyo Olympics have been brutal, the only thing is we’re both suffering,” Medvedev said of the declining heat and humidity. “It was super hard to win. He never gives up, but he knows I won’t either.
My tennis is now ten out of ten. Every game has been a great fight here,” he added before rushing to take a cold shower.
Rublev admitted he had little concern for his own health amid the sweltering heat in Queens
Rublev was asked after the match his thoughts on Medvedev’s death comments and if he has any internal concerns during matches in such circumstances.
“I don’t even think about my health. In these moments I think I have to fight… the sport is not easy,” he said.
‘You have to be prepared for anything… the best players prove they are ready and that’s why they are the best. Yesterday Novak played under the same conditions.’