Daniil Medvedev has expressed that he finds Carlos Alcaraz more challenging to face than the sport's legendary Big Three. Alcaraz has strongly advocated for maintaining the best-of-five sets format in Grand Slam tournaments. This debate has gained momentum amid discussions about transitioning men's matches back to a best-of-three format to alleviate scheduling pressures.
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The issue was brought to the forefront following Alcaraz's intense five-set match against Ben Shelton in the US Open quarterfinals, which concluded after 3:30 a.m. Despite his elimination in that match, Alcaraz remains committed to the best-of-five format, stating, "We would be killing the Grand Slam legacy." He added that the tradition of best-of-five matches is what distinguishes these tournaments.
Alcaraz's position has garnered support from Alexander Zverev, but Medvedev holds a differing viewpoint from both players. Speaking at the China Open, he remarked, “I think it definitely takes away from the history of Grand Slams. But since I was young, I said, Look, I prefer three sets. So if you ask me, let’s play three.”
Despite his preference for three sets, Medvedev indicated a willingness to adapt to the decisions made by tournament officials. He stated, “I’m okay to play five as well. I follow the lead. Someone one day decides to make it three till quarters or all the time, I will be okay with it. If it’s still five, I’m okay with it.” Medvedev noted that while he enjoyed the five-set format in earlier Masters 1000 events, he does not believe it should be reintroduced.
Medvedev made these comments after defeating Pablo Carreno Busta in the first round of the Beijing tournament, following his recent victory at the Hangzhou Open. He is set to face Jan-Lennard Struff in the second round and currently ranks eighth in the race for the ATP Finals, holding a significant lead over Rafael Jodar in ninth place.