In the upcoming Wimbledon semi-finals, Daniil Medvedev is preparing to face Carlos Alcaraz in an earnest effort to avenge his loss to the same opponent at the same Grand Slam 12 months ago. The Russian’s coach, Gilles Cervara, has outlined the strategic approach for Medvedev to triumph over his formidable adversary.
Cervara emphasized the necessity for Medvedev to provoke an emotional response from Alcaraz during the high-stakes semi-final re-match. He highlighted Alcaraz’s remarkable shot quality and emphasized the need for Medvedev to devise tactics to contain and neutralize his opponent’s blistering speed. According to Cervara, the key lies in bringing Alcaraz into a state of doubt, which could ultimately lead to unforced errors.
Expounding on the dynamics of their upcoming encounter, Cervara emphasized the significance of Medvedev’s backhand down the line, which he referred to as the “lethal weapon” on grass. Medvedev’s ability to maneuver and execute this shot with precision could prove to be a game-changer in the impending clash with Alcaraz.
Reflecting on the past encounters between the two players, Cervara expressed confidence in Medvedev’s capability to overturn previous losses. In a bold assertion, Cervara suggested that the more one loses against an opponent, the more likely they are to emerge victorious in subsequent encounters, attributing this phenomenon to the challenger’s inherent drive to reverse the momentum and make strategic adjustments for a triumphant outcome.
In response to the tactical approach against Alcaraz, Medvedev concisely stated his need to elevate his performance and “just play better.” He stressed the pivotal role of serving effectively on grass, asserting that a strong serve would enable him to apply pressure on Alcaraz and seize critical opportunities during the match.
As Medvedev braces himself for the semi-final showdown, the prospect of a gripping and arduous battle looms large. With strategic insights from his coach and a determined mindset, Medvedev is poised to navigate the challenges posed by Alcaraz and steer towards a triumphant victory at Wimbledon.