Indian Wells, USA

Daniil Medvedev motivated to return after US Open victory

The Russian is the top seed for the BNP Paribas Open, and has been the most consistent hard-courter of the season.

Published Oct 08, 2021

MATCH POINT: D. Medvedev def. D. Shapovalov; Boston Laver Cup

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WATCH: Medvedev remained stateside after the US Open to lead Team Europe to a Laver Cup victory.

Daniil Medvedev took a week and a half's vacation following his triumph at the US Open, but it's now back to work for the tour's newest Grand Slam champion.

The 24-year-old Russian says he isn't lacking motivation as he returns to tournament play this week as the top seed at Indian Wells.

"Not at all," Medvedev told press before the tournament. "It was a big goal for me and a dream come true, but I am still here in Indian Wells.

"A few tournaments left for me this year, but I'm going to give my best and try to win them."

Medvedev is scheduled to play Indian Wells, the Paris Masters and then defend his title at the ATP Finals. A good showing would allow him to contend for the No. 1 ranking.

But in the meantime, he has enjoyed achieving his big aim of winning a Slam—and some of the surprising perks that have come with it.

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..Some people or friends I didn't see for a long time, or some people I was a fan of, texted me. Actually, a lot of people—I don't know why, but [they] tried to pay for me in a restaurant. That's pretty funny. Daniil Medvedev

"More like first week, week and a half," he said. "That is when the first buzz is because everyone talks all about you. All the media and newspapers, especially in Russia.

"It's more about some people or friends I didn't see for a long time, or some people I was a fan of, texted me. Actually, a lot of people—I don't know why, but [they] tried to pay for me in a restaurant.

"That's pretty funny.

"I try to refuse it... [but] sometimes the waiter comes and says you can’t pay anymore because it has already been paid."

But showing that his attention has already returned to court, Medvedev has spent a week and a half training at UCLA before the BNP Paribas Open, deciding not to go home to Europe following his victory.

"I haven’t left the United States since the US Open, because I had the Laver Cup and now Indian Wells," he said.

"If I wanted to feel good physically, going back to Europe was not a good choice since I went far at the US Open."

Medvedev is No.2 in the rankings.

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