Everything for the Olympic decision

By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Nu | Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Photo credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport

Daniel Medvedev is eager to get dirty during and after Wimbledon.

The 2023 Wimbledon semi-finalist confirmed he is running for the Paris Olympics later this month.

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Fifth-seeded Medvedev battled strong Frenchman Alexandre Muller for three and a half hours today: 6-7, 7-6, 6-4, 7-5. With that, he reached the third round of Wimbledon for the fifth time in a row.

When asked later if he planned to return to Roland Garros, Medvedev replied: “If I’m healthy, I’ll be there 100%.”

Although Medvedev won Rome in 2023, he considers dirt roads his least favourite surface.

Medvedev called the unique Olympic experience and the joy of participating in the Olympic Games an easy decision.

“For me it was a very easy decision. In Tokyo I loved the atmosphere, I loved being there, playing there,” Medvedev told media at Wimbledon. “It will be even different in Paris. Because Tokyo was COVID, no people, closed atmosphere, and I loved it. So I’m sure in Paris it will be even more fun.

“I know that if I only think about my personal career, it is better to go to Canada, prepare hard courts and so on. When I am 40, and I can say that I have participated in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Paris and Los Angeles, that I have had a lot of fun in my life, my career, then I will be happy.”

Medvedev said he plans to play in singles, doubles and mixed doubles and that he sees his best chance for a medal in doubles or mixed doubles, as his Russian compatriots Andrei Rublev and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova are the reigning Olympic gold medalists.

“I’m going to prepare a lot for doubles and mixed doubles, because I believe I have more chances there than in Roland Garros singles,” Medvedev said. “I’m going to have a lot of fun, enjoy playing. I’m looking forward to it, yes.”