Two of the world’s top three rockets, Daniel Medvedev and Rafael Nadal, landed at Toronto’s Aviva Center this week. While the first is intended to lift the trophy, the other is primarily an attempt to measure the status of his foot injury that occurred two months ago.
Daniel Medvedev recently came from Tokyo, where he lost to Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta in the Olympics quarterfinals. Before taking his plane to Toronto, he stopped for a few days in Orlando, Florida for training for the National Bank Open.
“I feel good, especially physically,” he told a news conference Sunday afternoon.
Before playing in the scorching heat in Japan, he participated in the Russian Wimbledon tournament, where he admitted to losing in the 16th round: his caliber disappointed the player, after which he said the same.
“If you are in Top 10, And most importantly in Top 4 In the world, even if you lose in the first round of the Grand Slam, it is not a good result, no matter how well you play, if you feel good, if you are unlucky or whatever. This is not a good result. It’s the same here, “he said.
In other words: if he does not reach the final in Toronto, he will be unhappy.
Photo by Mike Segar, Archives Reuters
Daniel Medvedev recently came from Tokyo, where he lost to Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta in the Olympics quarterfinals.
“I want to show good tennis,” he continued. When I show good hard court tennis, I know it’s very hard to beat, and I can get the result I want. I have no expectations, I want to try to play well, but clearly I want to win. ”
The 25-year-old reached the National Bank Open final about his last trip to Canada, formerly the Rogers Cup. He was 23 at the time, losing to Rafael Nadal on center court at IGA Stadium in Montreal. This is his first Lifetime Masters final.
“It was a very special feeling,” he recalled. I’m in Montreal, so everyone speaks French. I can speak French, but they don’t know, so I couldn’t communicate with the audience. It was ridiculous and they were great memories. ”
“I’ve always loved playing in Canada,” added the tall 6’6 “fellow.
“I’m here to do my part”
As for Rafael Nadal, he will try to retain the National Bank Open Champion title he won in 2019. Listening to what he said at the press conference, he has no confidence that he will win: he is still suffering from a foot injury that happened in the Roland Garros semi-finals two months ago.
“I am here to do my part and improve,” he said. Physically a few months was difficult. ”
Although he made it clear that he “clearly tried to win”, the 35-year-old athlete mainly emphasized the importance of testing his foot and being comfortable on the court after spending most of his time on the field.
“The most important thing is to try to feel that I’ve improving and that I’ve playing well. This is the same goal in this tournament. I’m probably going to play on Wednesday, so I have three days to practice well and get ready for the game.”
Nadal’s last duel a few days ago, when he lost by 50 pointsE World player, Lloyd Harris, in 8That is Tournament playoffs in Washington. The tournament, as in Toronto, was mainly used to see where he stood with his injury and to prepare him for the US Open, which starts on August 30.
The Spaniard has reiterated at times that he needs to play without pain for several days in order to regain confidence in his moves.
Nadal has won the National Bank Open five times, in 2005 for the first time in just 19 years.
“I’m happy to be here,” he said. This is a place where I have achieved great things in the past and I have created good memories. I’ve always liked being here. ”
Keep in mind that both Swiss Roger Federer and Canadian Milos Roinick have been ruled out of the tournament and will therefore be in Toronto this week.
They said
I’m glad to be back home. Masters at home is always a big event and I’m glad we have an audience for the games. This is great. For a moment, I was afraid there were no supporters. It was not the same.
Vasek Pospisil
I’m getting a good feel with my game. I am so happy to be back in Toronto, one of my favorite places to play tennis. I love the fans here and are happy to have the opportunity to witness this year.
Stefanos Sitsips
In my case, all the tournaments I participate in are important because I want to be a better player, I want to compete, I want to improve. Especially when it comes to mastering, I can get a lot of points if I play well.
Andrei Rublev
I wake up every morning with the goal of getting better at tennis, the sport I have chosen to dedicate my life to. Since I was able to do this sport, I am really happy to inspire people through the things I do. Tomorrow is a big inspiration for where I am and a good indication that I have done well so far. I am grateful. I tried so hard to stay in Top 3, Which is unique.
Stefanos Sitsips
What good is a coach if it simply “blends in” with everything else out there? I know tennis is a sport where you make decisions, you decide for yourself, but sometimes the outside eye can help change the outcome of some matches.
Stefanos Sitsips
I want to do the best I can. I have not had the most consistent year of training with my team. Many distractions arise from the court, both professionally and personally. I see this week as an opportunity to get back to the basics.
Vasek Pospisil
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