“He Can’t Change My Approach Here”- Daniil Medvedev Not Focused on Novak Djokovic’s Absence From Australian Open

 While the Australian Open 2022 started off without the defending champion, it paved way for the rest of them to target the Grand Slam title. And Daniil Medvedev is no different as he aims for his first Australian Open.

During an interview, reporters asked Medvedev to share his view on the absence of the World No. 1 in one of the major tennis tournaments. The Russian champ stated that the fact that Djokovic was not in the competition could not change his approach during the course of the tournament. 

Medvedev on Djokovic’s absence. “Melbourne and Rod Laver Arena is his favorite place in the world (…) but the fact he isn’t here can’t change my approach here. Still 7 matches to win a Slam”.

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 18, 2022

Medvedev also mentioned that the famous Rod Laver Arena and Melbourne are Djokovic’s favourite places in the world.Whi

Daniil Medvedev defeated the Swiss player Henri Laaksonen is the first round that was held on 18th of January, with straight sets of figures- 6-1, 6-4 and 7-6.

With seven more matches to be played to win the Australian Open title, Medvedev gears up to meet the Aussie Nick Kyrgios in the second round scheduled to take place on 20th January.

Daniil Medvedev had earlier stood with Novak Djokovic during his Australian Open debacle

While the Serbian athlete was facing major issues with his visa being cancelled and not being permitted to compete in the Australian Open, Medvedev defended him by sharing his perspective on the prolonged controversy.

The World No. 2 stated that if Djokovic had a valid exemption to be in Australia, then he should be allowed to play. Medvedev added- “If the exemption is not valid or something else is not valid, well, any country can deny your entry.” 

Further, the Russian tennis pro was asked about Djokovic’s significance in the sport. Medvedev responded- “I know that in the sport he’s still seen as one of the greatest players because his achievements are not taken away.”                                                                                                              Besides he pointed out Novak’s achievements such as having the longest run of being World No. 1, winning the most Master series and so on. He at last added- “Still for me, one of the greatest players of all time.”

With Novak deported, Daniil Medvedev among Rafael Nadal and Stefanos Tsitsipas are the major contenders for the Australian Open 2022 title.