DANIIL MEDVEDEV couldn’t believe the level that his opponent Benjamin Bonzi reached to dump him out of Wimbledon.
Medevedev, 29, has reached the semi-finals at SW19 during the last two years, but crashed out in four sets to inspired Frenchman Bonzi.
Daniil Medvedev couldn’t believe his opponent’s level[/caption]
Bejamin Bonzi celebrates one of the biggest wins of his career[/caption]
The world No64 went into today’s No2 Court clash with Medvedev having failed to win a main draw match on grass this year.
But he defied the odds to beat the Russian 7-6 3-6 7-6 6-3.
Medvedev was in a foul mood at times during the match, regularly grumbling towards his team and even throwing his racquet.
The former US Open champion couldn’t believe how well his opponent was playing, even muttering before Bonzi’s first set point during the opening stanza: “Why not play like this every day, win millions, be rich?”
After shrugging his shoulders, he added: “No, he decides to do it once a year.”
Responding to a clip of Medvedev’s comment, posted by tennis author Bastien Fachan, one fan called it: “Very disrespectful.”
Although a second added: “Looooooool he’s hilarious.”
Medvedev is fluent in French, having worked with Cannes-born coach Gilles Cervara for several years, and made the comment in Bonzi’s native tongue.
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Speaking after the match, Medvedev doubled down, saying: “I’m surprised by his level. I know that he can play well.
“I mean, it’s just after the match, so I need to see the video and be sure about what I say. I would be surprised if you find a match of him playing like this any other match this year. I’m surprised he did today.
“But it can happen. That’s when sensations happen.”
Medvedev then pointed to the fact he would have played Bonzi in Halle a fortnight ago, had the Frenchman beaten his compatriot Quentin Halys in round one.
The 6ft 6in ace, added: “Every shot that I played today, even good shots, he had an answer.
“I was supposed to play him or Halys in Halle. I watched the match. He couldn’t play two balls in a row in the court. I was surprised. Will be tough against Quentin. I played good, I won.
“Today, he barely missed. A little bit on the forehand. Backhand, I remember maybe three unforced errors.
“I wish him to play like this. I saw the draw for myself, now not anymore.
“If he plays like he played today, he’s definitely in the fourth round. Then it’s (Taylor) Fritz, and then it’s tougher. I would not be surprised if he doesn’t play like this.”
Bonzi, who has earned more than £2.5million during his career, will face Australia‘s Jordan Thompson in round two; and could then meet either Luciano Darderi, Roman Safiullin or British wildcard Arthur Fery.
Medvedev shakes Bonzi’s hand at the end of his four-set defeat[/caption]
