You can’t play pro tennis like that! Medvedev made it through the rematch with the Brazilian. But he certainly didn’t shine with enthusiasm in Shanghai

They are among the wider field of favourites for the well-attended tournament. The Masters in Shanghai has attracted the world’s top players. But according to Russia’s Medvedev, one important part of tennis is not at all matched by the high level of competition in China’s biggest city.

• Medvedev is seeded five at the Masters in Shanghai
• Entering the tournament, the Russian weighed in
• But he has come under heavy criticism for the balls used to play the prestigious event

The Masters in Shanghai is the biggest event of its kind in Asia. It is therefore not surprising that this event has attracted the complete world’s top players.

Sinner, Alcaraz, Djokovic and Zverev will all be in China’s biggest city. Daniil Medvedev will also be in attendance. The Russian tennis player is seeded number five in China. Unlike the four biggest favourites mentioned above, the Moscow native has already entered the tournament.

Although he defeated Brazilian Seyboth Wilde, who avenged his surprising defeat at last year’s French Open, he did not shine with enthusiasm after the match.

Medvedev and his critics

This part of the game is criticised quite often and Medvedev joins the critics. We are talking about the Wilson tennis balls that are being played with in China.

“They are not good enough for professional tennis,” Medvedev says bluntly . He complains that after five games these balls have been destroyed.

“I lost my serve in the third set and still won 6:1,” adds the Russian. That kind of tennis just doesn’t belong on a hard surface.

So we can expect the voices calling for uniform balls for all tennis events to be amplified again. The health of the players will surely appreciate it.

Let’s see how the other big stars cope with the conditions. Alcaraz, Sinner and co will make their first appearance in Shanghai on Saturday.

Jakub Mensik and Tomas Machac have already advanced. Jiri Lehecka, like the aforementioned quartet, will take the court for the first time on Saturday.

Sources: ATP, Express