"I'm scared to play Rafa" - Daniil Medvedev suggests playing Rafael Nadal on clay is a tougher challenge than playing Novak Djokovic on hardcourt

Daniil Medvedev recently stated that facing Rafael Nadal on clay is the ultimate challenge in tennis, implying that it is even tougher than facing Novak Djokovic on hardcourt.

Medvedev kicked off his Indian Wells Masters campaign with a win over Brandon Nakashima in the round of 64. The Russian is currently on a scorching hot streak, having captured three consecutive ATP singles tournaments prior to arriving at Indian Wells.

Speaking to the media after his win over Nakashima, Medvedev reflected on his rivalry with Nadal and Djokovic. He first spoke about the formidable challenge of playing Nadal on clay, calling it "the worst and best challenge in tennis" given the Spaniard's unparalleled dominance on the surface.

"I didn't play Rafa on clay," Daniil Medvedev said. "Rafa on clay is probably the worst and best challenge in tennis. When I say worst, it's because he lost, what, I don't know, 10 matches? I'm not even sure he lost 10. I mean, last years he was losing a little bit more in tournaments like Rome and Monte-Carlo."

The World No. 6 admitted he was "scared" to face Nadal on clay, but also expressed a desire to try and win.

"But, yeah, I will be honest, I'm scared to play Rafa on clay," he said. "In a way I want to try it, and for sure I will fight to win, but that must be scary to go out against Rafa on clay."

Daniil Medvedev then talked about how tough it is to win against Djokovic too, especially on the hardcourts of Australia.

"Novak I managed to beat him few times," he said. "But again, that's two guys who have 22 Grand Slams. Yeah, I would say, you know what? Novak in Australia is tough. I had few, I would say, I lost probably four times against him, four or five there."

He reflected more deeply on some of his close encounters with Djokovic, saying he didn't know the reason behind the World No. 1's dominance in Australia.

"Didn't win once even though some of them were close battles, especially ATP Cup or the first time I played him in the Australian Open," Medvedev said. "But thinking back of these matches, I don't know why there he plays, in my opinion, better than on other continents or courts.

"But, that's tough, same like Rafa on clay, he barely loses there," the Russian added. "Yeah, tough challenges, and I hope I can do it one day in my career."

Daniil Medvedev to lock horns with Ilya Ivashka in 3R of the Indian Wells 2023

BNP Paribas Open - Day 5

Daniil Medvedev will square off against compatriot Ilya Ivashka for a place in the third round of the ongoing 2023 Indian Wells Masters.

Medvedev last dropped a set in his quarter-final match at the Qatar Open against Christopher O'Connell. He has won eight matches since then, all in straight sets.

The Russian has also won his last 15 matches on the trot. He is seeded No. 5 at the Indian Wells Masters, where he will aim to lift his fourth ATP singles title of the 2023 season.