French Open: 'It hurts him' - John McEnroe reveals why Daniil Medvedev struggles on clay at Roland-Garros

Updated 26/05/2022 at 11:27 GMT

Daniil Medvedev is being 'hurt' by the Roland-Garros clay, says John McEnroe, but that can't stop him from improving on his weakest surface, believes the 1984 finalist. Despite his style of play not suiting the surface, McEnroe highlighted the talent of the Russian and the impact of current affairs regarding his on-court enjoyment.

'It hurts him' - McEnroe explains why Medvedev struggles on clay

John McEnroe has said that the red clay of Roland-Garros "hurts" second seed Daniil Medvedev, who has had to adapt to the surface the hard way after having only one match worth of preparation for this year's tournament.

Speaking with fellow Eurosport expert Alex Corretja, McEnroe thinks that the Russian "relies on movement", which in turn makes him "more uncomfortable than the most of the other players" when it comes to the dirt of Paris.

"It’s like it hurts him," the American said. "He’s not as adept or accepting of the situation on the clay.

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"You know, as I mentioned earlier; the two-handed backhand - it’s a great shot, but it’s flat - so I think guys coming up against him can take advantage of that.

"Where would you rather hit a ball if you’re a player? Here [at waist height], or if Rafa’s playing, you’re hitting it around here [at head height]. I think that the spin has more of an impact on the clay."

A finalist himself at Roland-Garros in 1984, McEnroe insisted that Medvedev can only get better on the surface.

"But you know, some of this won’t matter, obviously, because Daniil Medvedev is an incredible player. Why in god’s name couldn’t he play better on clay? I think he can; it’s just a mindset. You’ve just got to dig in and do whatever it takes."

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He was keen as well to emphasise the impact of current affairs on Medvedev and his compatriots at the tournament as well.

"[With] the horrific situation going on with Russia and the war in Ukraine, what’s going on with all the players, the talk on not allowing them to play at Wimbledon… this is affecting the players, especially the Russians and the Belarusians.

"But even all the players [are being affected]. It’s hard not to think about, so hopefully we’ll get to place where [Medvedev] feels like he’s enjoying himself on the court.”