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Clay countdown: Daniil Medvedev’s candid take before Rome

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Clay countdown: Daniil Medvedev’s candid take before Rome

Originally posted on HITC | By Peter Lynch | Last updated May 7, 2026 5:50 PM ET

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Daniil Medvedev is hoping to turn around a slow start to his 2026 clay season as he heads into the Italian Open.

The Russian’s best run on clay this year has been a round of 16 finish at the Madrid Open, where he lost to Flavio Cobolli. That followed a first-round exit at Monte Carlo against Matteo Berrettini.

That result came after a tough opening loss in Monte Carlo, where he was beaten by Matteo Berrettini. Medvedev, who’s ranked ninth in the world and seeded seventh in Rome, remains positive heading into another ATP Masters 1000 event.

Medvedev now turns his attention to Alexander Zverev at the Stadio Pietrangeli – and spoke about facing him while also reflecting on his confidence levels ahead of another big tournament.

“He is an amazing player, but if I remember right I think our head-to-head is something like 10-7,” said Medvedev, whose record against Zverev currently stands at 11-7.

Of those matches, two have come on clay. The first was their meeting in Monte Carlo back in April last year when Zverev won in three sets during their round of 16 tie. Then it was Medvedev who came out on top later that year in Rome. The world number nine won that semi-final clash over three sets before going on to lift the trophy.

Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Medvedev gives honest assessment of clay form ahead of Rome

Speaking to the Italian Open’s official YouTube channel, Medvedev reflected on his form since Monte Carlo: “I think I played great in Madrid, and it was a great feeling. The match against Flavio, even if I lost, was a high-quality match.

“So it’s a lot of positives coming into Rome, trying to even improve this level and that’s where you can maybe go even further in the tournaments, and that’s what I’m going to try to do.”

The Russian also spoke about returning as a past winner: “I love coming back here. Always a special place for me for sure. I love the tournament. I love what they do for the players. So I’m feeling really good to be back here.”

Daniil Medvedev targets more perfect performances in Rome

Medvedev opens his campaign in the Italian capital in the second round, where he’ll face either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Tomas Machac. It’s hardly an easy draw, and neither is his goal of putting together complete performances.

Looking back at what made him successful during his 2023 title run, he said: “I think everything.

“That’s a bit the thing about clay, is that all your shots need to be at your best. I mean, some people no, because it depends on the style of play you have on clay.

“But for me, all of my shots need to be at the perfect timing I would say, and they were a couple of years ago. So that’s what I’m going to try to do again this year.”

It was certainly a memorable season for the Russian ace, who claimed five titles in total – the most he has achieved in any year throughout his career.

But he already boasts two successes this season after picking up wins on hard courts in Brisbane and Dubai earlier this year.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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