Ex-American star explains why Daniil Medvedev could be extremely dangerous at US Open

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Former American tennis player Leif Shiras expects Daniil Medvedev and other Russian players to be extremely motivated to do well at the US Open. 

Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, was banned from competing at this year's Wimbledon. 

The Wimbledon decision to ban Russian players didn't sit really well with Medvedev and other Russian players. 

"I think you're going to have a very motivated Daniil Medvedev to prove himself, you know," Shiras said in a conversation with Kamau Murray of Tennis.com, per Sportskeeda. "I think a lot of the Russians who missed out on Wimbledon might have a little something extra in the bag to bring to their next performance. I think he's got a real good chance and you know, having won the title, he's got the crowd on his head so someone's going to have to knock him off."

Shiras expects a very motivated Medvedev at the US Open

Last year, Medvedev delivered an impressive performance to stun Novak Djokovic in the US Open final for his first Grand Slam title. 

Going into this year's US Open, Shiras thinks Medvedev will definitely be among top favorites for the title.

On the women's side, Shiras interestingly predicted that Belinda Bencic could be the one that makes a really strong US Open run. 

"The women's side, you know, I always feel someone like Belinda Bencic (has a chance to win). I like how she plays on a fast hard court, can she make an impression and make a breakthrough?" Shiras explained. 

Also, Shiras expressed hope to see Taylor Fritz, Amanda Anisimova or Cori Gauff make strong US Open runs and potentially win it all. 

"I'd like to see that. I like to see Americans doing well and maybe winning a title. So, you know, maybe it's time for one of our young American guys," Shiras said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/x5R4ANm

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