'I don't feel pressure at all...' - Daniil Medvedev opens up on defending his Italian Open title

Tennis star Daniil Medvedev is all set to defend his Italian Open title. Notably, the world number four won in Rome during the last edition and went on to capture the first clay title of his career. Daniil has the full chance to grab 1000 ranking points to defend at the tournament in the absence of stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have been ruled out of the game owing to injuries.

However, the 28-year-old star player recalls the advice about the points lead when he was asked about speaking on his title defence. The Russian-born star feels that one should always have the desire to claim the points. Medvedev accepted that he may lose the points if he failed to defend his title and might slip to the fourth spot in the ATP rankings.

“When I was young someone told me - I find it very good advice - that you cannot defend points. Now I'm second in the Race [to Turin standings]. I feel great about it. I want to go better. So even when I lose the 1,000 points, actually I will probably stay No. 4," said Daniil Medvedev.

Maybe I should feel scared or pressure: Daniil Medvedev

The Russian-born star is not taking on the pressure of defending his title. In addition, the 28-year-old aims to use his last year's approach to continue his great form in the Rome Open 2024.

“I don't feel pressure at all. Like, I'm feeling only happy that I won here last year, and I want to do well this year. But maybe it's not the right approach. Maybe I should change it, I don't know. For the moment, I don't want to change it. I like being relaxed. Let's see. Maybe one moment I will have to be more stressed. I think I should maybe, I don't know, feel more pressure. Normally, no. But I never defended a title anywhere. Maybe I should feel scared or pressure," he added further.