Daniil Medvedev put any doubts about his fitness to rest as he cruised into the second round of the French Open.
The Russian returned to Grand Slam play with a win after missing time during the clay season due to a minor treatment to cure a hernia ailment.
Medvedev defeated Argentina’s Facundo Bagnis, who had his calf severely bandaged and his movement limited, 6-2 6-2 6-2.
Medvedev, who lost his return match against French veteran Richard Gasquet in the first round at the Geneva Open last week, was a quarter-finalist at Roland Garros last year after four straight first-round losses.
Medvedev is banned from Wimbledon but still manages to reach the top spot
Due to the ATP’s decision to deprive the tournament of its ranking points, Medvedev, who was forbidden from playing at Wimbledon due to the ban on Russian players, might still become world No. 1 later, as defending champion Novak Djokovic would lose the 2,000 points he would otherwise be defending.
“I need to be honest,” he said, “but certainly, as I said last time, I’d be really thrilled to play Wimbledon.” I really enjoy Wimbledon. I enjoy playing on the grass. After Roland Garros, I’ll play on the grass.
“But if I cannot, I mean, [I’m] just going to prepare for next tournaments, and, you know, just follow what’s happening there. [If] there are no points, I become No 1, well, great for me.
“If there are points, I cannot become No 1, I’m going to be gutted. It is what it is. I cannot change some decisions, both about ATP and Wimbledon.”
Shapovalov is forced to retire unexpectedly
Denis Shapovalov, a Wimbledon semifinalist, was a first-round victim on day three.
The world No. 15 from Canada, who only a few weeks ago overcame an ailing Rafael Nadal on clay, fell to Danish prodigy Holger Rune 6-3 6-1 6-4 7-6 (4).
“I’m really optimistic and want to improve every day. To be able to compete in the largest competitions is what you strive for every day “said the baby-faced adolescent with a bright smile.
“You know, I’m super happy and pleased to be in this position right now, to be able to have chances against these guys, to be able to, you know, win my first title in Munich was a huge step forward in my career.”
He has already increased his rating to No. 40 in the world, a significant achievement considering he only played in the main draw of an ATP tournament for the first time just over a year ago.
“Every day, I’m getting better. I’m attempting to improve by 1% each day in order to always do things a bit better than the day before “he added.
In the night session on Court Philippe Chatrier, fourth-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas will face Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti.
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