Clay countdown: Daniil Medvedev’s candid take before Rome

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Daniil Medvedev is hoping to turn around a slow start to his 2026 clay season as he heads into the Italian Open.

The Russian’s best run on clay this year has been a round of 16 finish at the Madrid Open, where he lost to Flavio Cobolli. That followed a first-round exit at Monte Carlo against Matteo Berrettini.

That result came after a tough opening loss in Monte Carlo, where he was beaten by Matteo Berrettini. Medvedev, who’s ranked ninth in the world and seeded seventh in Rome, remains positive heading into another ATP Masters 1000 event.

Medvedev now turns his attention to Alexander Zverev at the Stadio Pietrangeli – and spoke about facing him while also reflecting on his confidence levels ahead of another big tournament.

“He is an amazing player, but if I remember right I think our head-to-head is something like 10-7,” said Medvedev, whose record against Zverev currently stands at 11-7.

Of those matches, two have come on clay. The first was their meeting in Monte Carlo back in April last year when Zverev won in three sets during their round of 16 tie. Then it was Medvedev who came out on top later that year in Rome. The world number nine won that semi-final clash over three sets before going on to lift the trophy.

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Medvedev gives honest assessment of clay form ahead of Rome

Speaking to the Italian Open’s official YouTube channel, Medvedev reflected on his form since Monte Carlo: “I think I played great in Madrid, and it was a great feeling. The match against Flavio, even if I lost, was a high-quality match.

“So it’s a lot of positives coming into Rome, trying to even improve this level and that’s where you can maybe go even further in the tournaments, and that’s what I’m going to try to do.”