Daniil Medvedev has confirmed he is fit to defend his Italian Open title after a freak hip injury forced him to retire during his Madrid Open quarter-final. The world No. 4 pulled up while chasing a return against Jiri Lehecka and told the physio he “couldn’t move”, before quitting after losing the first set 6-4.
The 28-year-old, who was the highest-ranked player left in the Madrid draw, initially feared the injury might jeopardise his Rome campaign. But after three days of recovery in Madrid, he has resumed full training and says he is ready to play. “I'm feeling good now. I had a minor injury, I would say. Today I hit full. The match, even have an extra day tomorrow, so ready to play,” he explained.
Medvedev described the incident as something “blocking” his hip when he tried to accelerate. “I felt my hip, like, kind of blocked. And I couldn't sprint like when you strain a muscle probably or have a spasm,” he said. He consulted the physio about the risk of worsening the injury, but now believes there is “normally no risk” of further damage.
Despite the disappointment in Madrid, Medvedev remains positive about his clay-court form, having previously admitted to disliking the surface. “I play better now in Madrid. I was playing very good. It's a pity because I would want to see if I could go far without the injury. But I have the chance here [in Rome],” he added.
The Russian, a 20-time title winner, will begin his Italian Open title defence later this week. He is one of several players to suffer injury setbacks in Madrid, but his swift recovery suggests he will be a strong contender in Rome.
