Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer – the Big 3 of tennis have been such dominant forces in professional tennis that their achievements often overshadow the other players’ accolades. Together the trio won 66 grand slams among themselves and despite fellow tennis stars winning slams of their own, the Big 3’s consistency showed how many struggle to repeat the feat.
Daniil Medvedev is the current world No .3 and has won the 2021 US Open. However, that remains his sole grand slam title to date and the Russian’s coach opines that there is a reason for his inability to win majors, one that ties in with the Big 3’s talent.
Daniil Medvedev’s coach points finger at Djokovic and Nadal
After defeating Novak Djokovic at the 2021 US Open final, much was expected out of Daniil Medvedev. The rangy Russian has delivered on many occasions by defeating players ranked below him but has struggled to emulate the success of the Big 3.
Gilles Cervera, Medvedev’s coach, struggled to find solid reasons for the lack of grand slam success for his disciple and haphazardly blamed Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as being too talented to defeat in grand slams.
“Oh, that’s a tough question. Of course, I would like him to win more,” Cervara told Championat. “The only thing I can say is the fact that he played all his finals against Nadal and Djokovic.”
“It’s completely different, it’s a big difference compared to other theoretical opponents in the finals.”
Cervera went on to state that he hoped Medvedev would face opponents like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner so as to see what the result would be.
While it is true that Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have been consistent and have won many grand slams, a defeat remains a defeat and Medvedev has accomplished that feat against the pair. In contrast to Cervera’s excuse, if Medvedev focuses on improving his game rather than focusing on the opponent, he could become consistent as well.
Novak Djokovic beat Daniil Medvedev to win US Open
Daniil Medvedev had an opportunity to repeat his 2021 US Open heroics in Flushing Meadows as he faced a record-chasing Novak Djokovic this year.
The road to the final couldn’t have been more different for the Serbian as Djokovic had to battle from two sets down in his third-round match against Leslo Djere while Medvedev had a smooth path with no five-setters.
However, Djokovic had regained composure at the business end of the tournament and proved why he was indomitable as he defeated Medvedev 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 in straight sets and created history as the first tennis player in the Open Era to win 24 grand slam titles.
The moment Medvedev slammed his forehand into the net at championship point, the crowd knew they had witnessed history in the making and erupted in applause. A calm Djokovic walked to the net to congratulate the Russian but later would celebrate in his unique style of waving to the crowd to commemorate a special victory.
What are your opinions on Gilles Cervera’s excuse as to why Medvedev struggles to win grand slams? Let us know in the comments section below.
