Wimbledon 2023: Daniil Medvedev will not watch Alcaraz vs Djokovic final on Sunday

By India Today Sports Desk: Daniil Medvedev faced a crushing defeat against Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon 2023 semi-final, on Friday, 14 July. Playing at the Centre Court, Alcaraz dominated Medvedev and defeated the Russian in straight sets. With the final set to be played on Sunday, where Alcaraz will challenge Novak Djokovic in the final of the 2023 edition of the tournament, Medvedev has said that he is not going to watch the title clash.

“It’s a very great match. I’m not going to lie, it’s a very great match to watch but I’m not going to watch it because I’m going to be too disappointed to not be there,” Medvedev confessed to reporters after his loss.

The Russian tennis player, who had previously won the US Open in 2021, was candid about his loss.

“I lost. I don’t deserve to be there in the final because I didn’t win today,” he admitted.

The tennis player explained that watching the final will only add to the misery of his loss.

“But if I watch it on TV, I’m probably going to digest my loss worse because I’m going to be like, ‘My God, this forehand, this double-fault, this return, I should have done better’.”

Despite his loss, Medvedev couldn’t help but admire his opponent, Alcaraz. He compared the young Spaniard to the legendary ‘Big Three’ of tennis – Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer, who collectively hold 65 Grand Slam titles.

“He’s a very strong player. I would say in general to compare like the Big Three, they’re amazing, they win so many Grand Slams, they win so many matches. He’s kind of like them,” Medvedev praised.

Alcaraz, who is only 20 years old, already has one Grand Slam title to his name and has been ranked number one for several weeks. Medvedev acknowledged the challenge of playing against such a formidable opponent.

“Maybe against other guys you can be playing not bad, you’re going to have your chances, during the match you’re going to find something to work with. With Carlos, you need to be at your absolute best and that’s how you can win. Unfortunately, I was not,” he lamented.

Medvedev’s loss in the Wimbledon 2023 semi-final was a tough blow, but his respect for his opponent and his candid reflections on his performance reveal a sportsman who understands the highs and lows of the game. His comments serve as a reminder that even in defeat, there are lessons to be learnt and respect to be given.