Medvedev picks the toughest serve, forehand, backhand and mentally strong opposition he’s faced

The Russian named Ivo Karlovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Carlos Alcaraz in his response

Zuma/Panoramic

March 15, 2024

Russia’s Danill Medvedev believes that Roger Federer’s forehand is the toughest forehand he has faced during his career. The world No 4 advanced to the semi-finals of the ongoing Indian Wells Masters on Saturday with a straight sets win over Denmark’s Holger Rune and was then asked about which of the players he has faced during his career had the toughest serve, forehand, backhand and mental toughness.

Medvedev picked Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic, the world record holder for the most number of aces in professional tennis, as having the toughest serve.

“Serve, I’ll go with Karlovic just because I think he has the record for aces. I played him one time on grass and not on central court. I couldn’t return a ball. Let’s go with him,” the Russian, who lost that encounter in 2017 to the Croatian in straight sets, said.

Rafa brings intensity, like you get very tired during the match because of the aura of the match and that’s his toughness and that’s why he’s so good.

For the forehand, Medvedev picked Roger Federer, whom he lost all his three matches against. “Forehand, I would go with Roger. I played him unfortunately when I was not at my top form, but yeah, I remember basically as soon as you touch a forehand, you’re in trouble.”

The Russian admitted that he likes his own backhand but if he had to, then he would choose Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz‘s stroke. “Backhand, hmm. Who brings me the most trouble on the backhand? I like my backhand, so I like to play backhand cross with guys. Alcaraz. In my opinion, Alcaraz has a very good backhand. Yeah, so let’s go with him.”

On the mental toughness side, Medvedev picked 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal. “Mental toughness, Rafa. Rafa, for sure. He brings intensity, like you get very tired during the match because of the aura of the match and that’s his toughness and that’s why he’s so good.”

Medvedev will face American Tommy Paul in the semi-finals of the Indian Wells Masters on Saturday.