OMNIUM BANQUE NATIONALE

August 8, 2024

Daniil Medvedev

Press Conference

A. DAVIDOVICH FOKINA/D. Medvedev

6-4, 1-6, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: Questions in French, please.

Q. There's an expression in French saying, "to have guts," but it can be understood in the real sense, like you really had guts today. Was that a problem for you today?

DANIIL MEDVEDEV: Ah, the toilet. It was a problem because I couldn't go out. I had to go out after the second set because I had forgotten that walking to the toilets is a very long walk here. It's more than two minutes, and it's far from Center Court.

I had to go out because I had waited too long being inactive, so I thought that I could do it during the set, but the rule is not clear to me. Sometimes they let me go during the set. I know normally you have to do that within one hour and a half of the changeover.

Sometimes I do it too fast, and I try to walk fast, and the umpire says, Take your time. Today I was told, No, you can't go. So, in fact, in the end I don't understand the rule, but I believe the tournament should put toilets next to Center Court. It would be easier. I don't think it's very expensive.

Q. So you take the blame for what happened? But this need to go to the toilet, did it affect you in the third set?

DANIIL MEDVEDEV: What affected me is the rule. The rest is not too bad. It's not a problem. Here the problem was that it takes two minutes to go there and two minutes to come back, which is four minutes just walking.

So I was stupid, and I had to go out. I didn't react quickly enough, so I decided to stay on the court. In fact, this cost me some energy in the end.

Q. Daniil, how can you explain those three sets? It seems like there were three matches in one match.

DANIIL MEDVEDEV: Well, I started off not playing too well, which can happen after coming from clay. Well, some players. It's difficult because I had practiced well, but when I started playing, I was not playing that well. I was not able to make passing shots, and I missed some shots I shouldn't have missed.

So it became difficult, but I gave it my all. I tried to do my best today, but I believe he played a very good first and third set, and he won the match. It's a pity because it's not ideal for being confident for the future, but never mind, I'll try to do better in Cincinnati.

Q. The US Open is coming up. How will you prepare? Are you going to Cincinnati?

DANIIL MEDVEDEV: For sure I will go to Cincinnati. I'm here. I don't see the point of going elsewhere and coming back. Montreal is very nice. Of course, it didn't work out here for me. I hope I will play better in Cincinnati.

Q. A good victory in doubles. You came back in that match. Is it important for you to continue playing doubles? Are you going to try to get used to hard courts and maybe play sets, even if it's a different kind of game?

DANIIL MEDVEDEV: It might help a little for confidence, but the earlier you go to Cincinnati, the better it is. The courts will be different. The balls will be different.

But I signed up with my friend, and we are playing well. So I will go as long as it takes playing doubles, no problem. I'm trying to improve my returns and my volley when I play doubles. We had two beautiful victories, and with my friend, we enjoy playing together.

I heard, however, that tomorrow was not going to be played because of the rain. Well, if it rains, I don't want to be here. I prefer to be in the hotel. We'll see what happens.

Q. Of course, you might want to leave as soon as possible, but can you say something about Montreal and Northern American? What do you like in the city?

DANIIL MEDVEDEV: I feel good here. We really don't have much time to discover really the city, but dinners are nice. There are good restaurants. I like Montreal, but this is tennis. When you lose, you have to think about the next tournament.

I am going to play doubles as long as I have to, no problem, and I'll have to stay a few more days in Montreal for that, but no problem. I like the city.