Photo credit: Internazionali BNL d’Italia Facebook
As the excitement builds ahead of the Indian Wells semifinals, Daniil Medvedev can’t help but express his admiration for his opponent, Holger Rune, a young star he considers one of the most well-rounded players in the sport today.
At just 21, Rune possesses an impressive array of shots, although Medvedev suggests that the real challenge for Rune lies in deciding the right moment to deploy them effectively.
In a thrilling quarterfinal today, 20-year-old Arthur Fils put up a fierce fight against the former world No. 1, but Medvedev ultimately clinched the match 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7).
Speaking to the press at Indian Wells, Medvedev didn’t hold back his praise for Rune, highlighting the multifaceted nature of his gameplay. “I sometimes struggle finding the right words to describe his talent because it’s just so multifaceted,” Medvedev remarked. “Rune pretty much has every weapon in the tennis arsenal. Whether it’s a slice, dropshot, volley, a flat or spun ball, he can do it all. His serve is incredible, and he even has a great kick on it.”
However, Medvedev hinted at a potential downside to such versatility: “I do wonder if having such a wide array of shots sometimes complicates things for him because with so many options, it might become tricky.”
The upcoming semifinal will be a replay of their encounter in the 2024 Indian Wells quarterfinals, where Medvedev secured victory with a 7-5, 6-4 win. Interestingly, the last time Medvedev lifted a trophy was at the 2023 Rome tournament, where he edged out Rune in a tight 7-5, 7-5 finale.
Reflecting on Rune’s game, Medvedev noted, “We all recognize that sometimes Rune struggles with consistency at the start of tournaments, but once he finds his rhythm, he’s a formidable adversary. I’m bracing for a challenging match. I know I need to bring my A-game, which I feel I’m doing now, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
