Medvedev’s Mighty Run: A Phenomenal Wimbledon QF Achievement

Medvedev Reaches Wimbledon Quarterfinals

July 10, 2023 | ATP Staff

Daniil Medvedev, the third seed at Wimbledon, has reached the quarterfinals for the first time after Czech player Jiri Lehecka was forced to retire due to injury. Medvedev was leading 6-4, 6-2 when Lehecka decided to stop playing at the end of the second set. With this win, Medvedev has earned his 45th victory of the season, making him the Tour’s leader in wins.

Medvedev expressed surprise at Lehecka’s retirement, as he initially believed that the injury would not cause him much trouble. However, he stressed the importance of fighting for every point, as there have been instances where players thought they were injured but managed to turn the match around. Medvedev empathized with Lehecka, acknowledging that it is not easy to get hurt in the fourth round of Wimbledon. He wished him a fast recovery and expressed confidence in Lehecka’s future Grand Slam performances.

The Russian player is now aiming for his second major title, having won the US Open in 2021. He will face either fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas or American Christopher Eubanks in the upcoming match. Medvedev‘s journey to the quarterfinals also marks his achievement of advancing to the quarterfinals at all four major tournaments, making him the 10th active player to do so. He has previously reached the finals of the Australian Open twice and the quarterfinals of the French Open in 2021.

Medvedev expressed his fondness for the Wimbledon court, noting that he has never lost a match there in his five or six appearances. However, he lamented that he will likely have to play in the center court for the quarterfinals, jokingly saying that he would prefer to continue playing on the current court he has been successful on. Despite this, he is looking forward to the next match and is determined to give his best effort.

In the match against Lehecka, the two players engaged in long baseline exchanges. Lehecka aimed to push Medvedev back with his deep shots, but the Russian remained consistent and exhibited a strong serving performance, winning 97% of points behind his first serve. Lehecka, who had previously defeated Tommy Paul in the third round in a five-set match, appeared fatigued during the clash with Medvedev, requesting a medical timeout at the end of the first set.

Despite falling short of a second major quarterfinal (Australian Open 2023), Lehecka’s performance has earned him the No. 32 ranking in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings.