The 2021 US Open champion and the world’s 11th-ranked player, Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev, shared his tactical insights from his match against Australian player Aleksandar Vukic, whom he defeated in the third round of the Masters in Rome (6:4, 6:1).

— You mentioned that you would try to push him out of his comfort zone. What strategies did you employ, and how effective were they?
— I believe I managed to do this effectively. Clearly, he has a weaker backhand than forehand. When you target his backhand, he doesn’t have the same ability to finish points with a single shot. However, to set up a play to his backhand, you often need to engage his forehand first, but you have to do it without making it too easy for him, or else he’ll hit a winner. It’s about varying your play—moving him around, sometimes playing to his backhand, and considering numerous tactical elements. There’ll be moments when he swings with all his strength, and it could either result in a winner or a mistake. So, serving well was crucial, and I believe I handled that part effectively. That contributed to my victory, — Medvedev explained in an interview with Championship correspondent Daniil Salnikov.