Doubt is no longer allowed. Inconceivable even a few weeks ago, Daniil Medvedev will be among the favorites for the title at Roland-Garros this year (May 28 – June 11). His victory in the final of the Masters 1000 in Rome confirms that he has indeed put aside his grievances against ocher and that he can play very good tennis there. Holger Rune, author of a splendid week and in particular the scorer of Novak Djokovic (1st) and Casper Ruud (4th) paid the price.
Daniil Medvedev is not yet talking about a love affair with clay, but he agrees to talk about a new friendship. There is reason since he managed to do a double blow by winning his first match in Rome, but also his first title on clay (the 20th in his career). On Monday he will be world No. 2, and therefore seeded No. 2 at Roland-Garros. The competition received the message 5/5.
In this final, Medvedev confirmed that with the mattress of confidence he has built up since the start of the season, nothing serious could happen to him. From the first exchanges, we felt he was liberated, unlike his young opponent whose arm was visibly too tight. On a heavy surface not conducive to favoring his counter game, Medvedev was able to maneuver wonderfully to advance the ball by himself. Rune tried to find the solution through the offensive, but Medvedev’s defense, especially with improbable passing shots, annihilated all his attempts.
The Russian confirmed that he was really very strong at the end of the set by completing the first set on his first break point. More pragmatic is difficult.
Not discouraged by the loss of this first set, the fiery Dane went on the offensive again. He finally managed to give his ball a little more depth. He shoved Medvedev for the first time and broke first to break away 2-0. The match did not change, however, since Medvedev lined up three games to pass (3-2). Rune did not abdicate and made a superb comeback game, notably with a supersonic long line backhand, to take the opponent’s service again (4-3).
This is where the confidence built up by Medvedev could play its part. Without panicking, the Russian continued to play his game, forcing Rune to hit too many shots. Face marked by dark circles, the Dane let go of his service (5-5). Taken by the tension, he began to play too short again. It was enough for Medvedev to complete the match and fall to his knees on this finally friendly ground.