In Bercy,
Tut, tut, the backbiters! To all those who doubted him – us first – know that Grigor Dimitrov has it in his head. However, we can’t count the times we said to ourselves, during his fierce duel against Daniil Medvedev in the round of 16, that “this time, for sure, he’s going to break down” or even that “the Russian has entered into her head “. At least as many as match points lost by the Bulgarian (six!) before finishing off the bustling world No. 3. With a wet finger, we note:
- The end of the 2nd set, won by Daniil. Physically and mentally, it was inconceivable to see Grigor holding on.
- The 47-shot match point won by Medvedev who, remember, was still throwing his racket to the ground 30 seconds earlier. IMPOSSIBLE to get up from it.
- The Russian’s break on this same game. “Come on, it’s done, he’s going to win 7-5”, we heard people say in the press box.
- The match point saved on a 2nd first from Medvedev, decidedly impervious to the fear of losing.
Strangely, unusually, even, the Bulgarian never gave the impression of sinking. He was even serene throughout, but the man’s mentality is what it has been for years, the opposite of reliable. The game plan was well established: make Medvedev run, take advantage of his passivity to attack him in all directions and make him go crazy with his slice. “He played better, I’m not sure that I could have done much better,” Medvedev bowed, much more relaxed at the press conference than on the court, where he was, once is not custom, made to rot by the public. “I won’t say that he’s the worst on the circuit, but between him and me it doesn’t connect,” he comments in French. The only time I won here, there was no crowd. »
Medvedev leaves Bercy with happy fingers
Time machine, 5-5 in the 2nd set. Pushed by Bercy, Dimitrov has just won three games in a row when his opponent was tied at one set all. Frustration, throwing rackets, whistles. Furious, Medvedev refuses to continue playing under these conditions, and defers to the referee, giving rise to a one-act play.
– I’m not going to play while they whistle!
– You have to go play. The more you stop (playing), the more it annoys them, the more they whistle.
– They’re stupid ! If they don’t whistle, I play!
(Medvedev, to audience)
– Hey, you (don’t) whistle, I’m playing guys, but shut your mouths, ok!
The best was yet to come. After a lull, the Russian ended up losing his cool a second time. Racquet throws are always accompanied by whistles, but the player’s response is different. We’re going back to basics. Remember the legendary middle finger at the US Open? Say hello to the styling feint coupled with an arm of honor, a gesture that will be repeated several times. And what about his exit full of panache from the court to the boos of Bercy, to whom he will give a final middle finger, this time much more frank. “I was just looking at my nails,” he will deny with a smile and a lot of bad faith after the match. Why would I do this to such a beautiful crowd? »
Eliminated in the first round, Andy Murray enjoyed his popcorn in front of this peak of entertainment. “Medvedev-Dimitrov is one of the best duels on the circuit to watch in my opinion. Brilliant opposition in strokes, style and personality.” Aesthetes will be satisfied with the Bulgarian’s qualification, while drama fans will regret the departure of the supreme idol. Is there no way to draft Daniil, just like that, for fun?