Daniil Medvedev: I want to be Top 10

The third seed Daniil Medvedev eased into the final at Sofia Open 2019. The 22-year-old Russian played solid in the semifinal and defeated Gael Monfils 6:2, 6:4.

Press conference after the match.

Daniil, congratulations on your going into the final. How do you feel?

I am happy. If I come here, I want to win. On every tournament, I want to win. Being in the final means I am one step on to win. You never know what may happen. I could lose in the first round, I got angry. But now I am happy with my performance and happy with my game.

What you didn’t like today?

Actually, I liked everything. I played good. I could serve better, but my serve today was good enough. So, it was obvious, that I didn’t need better serve.

What will you change for the final?

Tomorrow… Of course, everybody who plays the final plays well. Marton won against very strong opponent today. He serves really well. I am expecting a very tough match. But if I play good tennis I have all the chances to win.

How will you prepare?

Well, I will have to warm up for 30 minutes before the match, and that is all.

Was there any pressure in the 9th game in the second set?

Yes, of course, the match was tied and it was normal. That is why he missed some shots at 5:4 and he didn’t miss at 5:2. It is normal, he got nothing to lose at 5:2 with my serve, so he went for the shots and did them. It was tough for me. I can’t control all the balls even if I try. I am happy that I managed to manage my tightness inside of me, to put the ball in the court and this is why I won.

What is your goal for this year? Now you are No 16 in the world…

I always say that my first goal is to improve, first at all in practice. Then to try to win every match that I can. Only like this, I can win the tournaments. But at the same time, of course, I have some goals in my mind. To be Top 10. I have never been there, so it would be great. But to improve on practice and to win every match that I can. That is the goal.