Even though the 2021 ATP season couldn’t give tennis fans the much-anticipated match-ups among the Big-3, it managed to take some budding rivalries to the next level. One such contest to look forward to on the 2022 season is between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev.
The duo contested in three finals this year and Djokovic got the better off the Russian in two of them. Off court, both the stars also appeared to have formed a friendship which clearly translated into the way they spoke about each other.
At the on-going Davis Cup Finals where Russia reached the quarters along with Serbia, Medvedev was asked in an interview to build a perfect tennis player. The Russian was asked to choose the attributes from players who are currently playing the Davis Cup.
Daniil Medvedev picks Novak Djokovic in four categories to build a perfect tennis player
In this fun segment, the world no.2 showed his admiration for Djokovic by picking him for not just one but four different skill sets – Backhand, Mentality, Athleticism, and Return of serve.
“For backhand now I have to go with Novak. We all know it’s one of the best backhands in the history of tennis, I think. The way he handles himself on the court in tough situations is extraordinary and I try to learn from him”.
Build your perfect player – using only players competing in the 2021 Davis Cup Finals!
Forehand: _______
Backhand: _______
Talent: _______
Mental: _______
Athleticism: _______
Serve: _______
Return: _______
Fun: _______@DaniilMedwed goes first#DavisCupFinals #byRakuten pic.twitter.com/3K5rX7DwBN
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) December 2, 2021
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The reigning US Open champion explained why he once again chose Djokovic for athleticism.
“We had some physical matches and many time I feel like he’s tired. But, then on the next point, he’s capable of running, running, and running and then the next day he’s capable of doing it again”.
Medvedev and Djokovic might meet once again at the Davis Cup Finals
Finally, Medvedev lauds the Serb for having one of the best returns of serve on tour and feels that he is the best in most of the categories mentioned(to build a perfect player).
“You can put him in a lot of categories and his return is pretty special”.
From what Medvedev mentioned, the world no.1 indeed has a lot of skill sets that others would love master and reach that level. The duo might meet once again at the Davis Cup Finals with Serbia and the Russian Tennis Federation getting qualified for the semis.
Team Serbia faces Croatia in the first semi-final whereas Germany faces a stiff challenge in the form of team Russia.
Also read: WATCH: Daniil Medvedev Throws Racket in Frustration Ahead of Davis Cup 2021 Quarterfinals
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