By Alberto Amalfi | Wednesday, May 18, 2022

 

Daniil Medvedev fell to Richard Gasquet in his Geneva comeback match and shared why red clay is his most uncomfortable surface.

Photo credit: Getty

Red clay is a danger zone for Daniil Medvedev.

The reigning US Open champion lost to Richard Gasquet 6-2, 7-6(5) in his comeback match on the red clay of Geneva on Tuesday.

More: Lopez Mind-Blowing Streak Ends

It was Medvedev's first match since he lost to Hubert Hurkacz in the Miami Open quarterfinals in March. Following his Miami Open exit, Medvedev underwent hernia surgery.

The world No. 2 says dirt poses the greatest danger to his body.

"I don't feel as confident on clay as on other surfaces, that's why I lost 7-5 in the tie-break," Medvedev told the media in Geneva.  "It's disappointing but I've had tougher losses in my career."

The 6'6" Medvedev is one of the best movers of any big man in Open Era history, but concedes he doesn't always feel sure of his footing on clay.

"Clay for my body is the most dangerous surface," Medvedev said. "For me it's clay courts: every time, every year I have some problems where I cannot be 100 percent."



Still, Medvedev snapped a personal streak of futility last spring.

The man who had suffered four consecutive French Open first-round exits reached the Roland Garros quarterfinals.

The Australian Open finalist downplayed expectations of a deep run in Paris given his recent surgery and his past struggles on dirt. That said, Medvedev lifted his level of play as his Geneva return match progressed and will be highly motivated to perform well in Paris given the ban Russians and Belarusians face at Wimbledon.

"I'm not a favorite [for Roland Garros], but I do want to play well. If I can find my level again, I can be dangerous."