Russia Tennis star Daniil Medvedev insists the pressure is heavily on Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s Australian Open final.
The Russian believes he has “nothing to lose” when he faces the Serb who has previously won eight Australian Open titles.
Medvedev qualified for the final following a 6-4 6-2 7-5 victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semi final on Friday.
The Russian fourth seed became the 25th man in the Open Era to record a Tour-level winning streak of 20 as he continued his incredible form.
Medvedev said in an on-court interview all the pressure in the final would be on Djokovic, who has won the Australian Open a record eight times.
Despite seeking his maiden grand slam crown, the 25-year-old – who has won three of his past four meetings with Djokovic – said he had nothing to lose in the final.
“I think he’s the favourite because he didn’t lose. In eight occasions that he was here in the semis he won the tournament. Me, I’m, how you can call it, I don’t know how you call it in English, not an outsider, but I’m the challenger, the guy that challenges the guy who was eight times in the final and won eight times. And I’m happy about it,” Medvedev told a news conference.
“I like to play against Novak. We have, since the first one when I was ranked 60, we had always tough matches physically, mentally. And he’s one of the greatest tennis players in the history of tennis. So playing the final against him is superb. I’m really happy about it. Let’s see what happens on Sunday.
“When I say no pressure, for sure when we get out there we both feel pressure. I want to win my first one. He wants to win number 18. We don’t know for who the crowd is going to be. It’s all the small details.
“I think if we talk in general, well, I have nothing to lose, to be honest.”
