Medvedev has had a great week as he returned to the No.1 spot in the world rankings this week, bumping Novak Djokovic who slid down to No.3. He said that his new position may have added to his opponents motivation in Halle.
“Some are going to be a little bit intimidated that they are playing the World No. 1 and they have a tough draw. If they lose, maybe it is nothing special,” Medvedev said.
“And some on the contrary. Maybe they don’t have the best confidence at the moment and if they beat the World No. 1 that is where it starts.”
Medvedev is unable to play at this years Wimbledon since the Lawn Tennis Association had banned Russian and Belarusian players from participating in the grass-court Grand Slam. However, he will be playing at the US Open where he is defending champion.
He is next set to play against Roberto Bautista Agut who beat Tallon Griekspoor 6-7 (6), 6-4, 6-2.