Daniil Medvedev credits new strings for his success in 2023 after winning first clay title at the Italian Open

CNN
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Daniil Medvedev has revealed one reason behind his incredible form since winning the Italian Open this year: new racket strings.

The Russian world No 2 has been using a different version of Technifebrae strings and said the change in his game has been “believable” since making the switch before the Australian Open.

He has now won five titles this year – the most in his career – and Sunday’s 7-5, 7-5 win over Denmark’s Holger Roone in the Italian Open final marked the first trophy he has ever captured on clay. done

“I think the strings help me … because they’re just softer so the ball goes easier,” Medvedev told reporters after beating Roone.

“Actually in Australia where I lost, with my coach we were like, ‘Wow, I have easy depth on the ball, which is amazing,'”

“In Australia, it didn’t work. I doubted myself 100%. Should I go back to the old guys I was playing nice with? I said no, let’s try more. Now that is unbelievable. ”

After an hour, 40-minute rain delay in Rome, Medvedev battled through a tight first set against Rooney, saving two break points at 2-2 before securing a crucial break 6-5. And blow on a drop shot.

The 20-year-old Rooney grabbed two breaks in the second set to lead 5-3, but from there Medvedev asserted his baseline dominance and won the next four games.

Having won most of his titles on hard courts – including his US Open victory in 2021 – the victory on clay at the Italian Open is a breakthrough moment for the 27-year-old Medvedev.

After Rafael Nadal pulled out of the French Open last week, it is difficult to predict with second Grand Slam world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz of the calendar year and 22-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic leading the men’s singles draw.

But Medvedev, who has not progressed past the quarter-finals at Roland Garros, will be feeling confident. He had to beat the likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev during his Italian Open campaign and has climbed five places in the men’s rankings this year.

“It’s special because I didn’t think it was going to happen, (that I would) be able to make it,” he said of his latest title.

“I still can’t believe it – not that I won it, but that I played so well this week. I don’t believe it. I am really happy with the way I played. I am happy to bring this trophy back home after some time.

The French Open runs from May 28 to June 11 and Medvedev, whose groundstrokes look more powerful than ever, has emerged as a strong contender.