Daniil Medvedev has outlined the potential challenges associated with implementing the Laver Cup format at the ATP Finals.
Medvedev qualified for the semifinals of the 2023 ATP Finals by securing straight-sets wins over Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev. The Russian took on Carlos Alcaraz in his final group-stage match, losing 4-6, 4-6 to the Spaniard and finishing second in the Red Group standings.
During his post-match press conference, the Russian was asked about his opinion on altering the ATP Finals format to resemble the Laver Cup, given that he had less at stake in his final group-stage match as he had already claimed a spot in the semifinals.
The Laver Cup follows a unique format, awarding one point for a match win on Day 1, two points on Day 2, and three points on Day 3, with the first team to accumulate 13 points winning the tournament.
However, Daniil Medvedev laid out the logistical issues with implementing this format. He emphasized the need for a second arena and raised concerns about how switching between courts might upset the players.
The Russian also argued that there was plenty at stake for him in his clash against Alcaraz as the match determined his final standing within the group.
“But I think this format was here maybe since the start the same? I think it happens sometimes. But to be honest, I had a lot to play. After the match two days ago, I said, ‘Oh good, I’m from the first place’. But that was not the case. I had a lot to play,” he added.
Additionally, the former World No. 1 reviewed his performance, stating that he performed better compared to his match against Zverev despite the loss.
“I think I tried my best. But, as I say, when you don’t see from TV, I don’t know how it looked from TV, but inside of me, I felt like I played a good match, actually much better than against Sascha in terms of my level. But I lost, pretty easy in a way. Tough
