Medvedev Rebounds at ATP Finals with “Just Don’t Care” Mentality

Daniil Medvedev has rediscovered his winning ways at the Nitto ATP Finals, adopting a “just don’t care” approach to silence the noise and regain his focus.

After a disappointing loss to Taylor Fritz in his opening match, Medvedev bounced back with a dominant 6-2, 6-4 victory over Alex de Minaur. The Russian became the first player this season to not drop serve against De Minaur, who has played 65 matches in 2022.

Medvedev’s newfound mentality was evident throughout the match. He remained composed under pressure, blocking out the distractions and focusing solely on his game. “I found the way by not caring,” Medvedev explained. “Just don’t care. Your boss is screaming at you, just block the noise and say ‘I don’t care.'”

De Minaur was unable to match Medvedev’s intensity, particularly in the opening set. The Australian was broken twice, with Medvedev’s heavy forehand and precise drop shots proving too much to handle.

Medvedev maintained his high level of play in the second set, keeping De Minaur at bay with his strong serve and aggressive groundstrokes. The Russian earned a crucial break in the ninth game with a backhand passing shot, sealing the victory without facing a single break point.

Medvedev’s performance was a testament to his mental resilience and ability to adapt to different opponents. By embracing a “just don’t care” attitude, he was able to silence the noise and focus on his own game, ultimately securing a much-needed win.

Virender Sehwag Advises Babar Azam to Prioritize Domestic Cricket and Fitness

Virender Sehwag Advises Babar Azam to Prioritize Domestic Cricket and Fitness

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has advised Pakistan’s Babar Azam to prioritize domestic cricket and focus on improving his fitness and mental resilience. Sehwag’s comments come after Azam’s recent struggles in international cricket, which culminated in his omission from the final two Tests against England.

Despite facing criticism, Azam displayed resilience in the second Test, scoring a gritty 118 against a formidable English bowling attack. However, Sehwag believes that Azam needs to address his mental and physical well-being.

“Babar Azam should play domestic cricket now. He should work on his fitness, spend some time with family, then come back to international cricket as a physically fitter and mentally stronger player,” Sehwag said.

Sehwag emphasized that Azam’s mental state has been significantly affected by the pressure and expectations placed upon him. “With expectations from Babar decreasing and his resignation from captaincy, it seems he has been more impacted mentally than in terms of technique. He needs to stay mentally strong. He’s a talented player, and players like him tend to bounce back quickly,” he added.

While Azam’s absence from the Test team raised eyebrows, Pakistan’s spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan proved their worth, taking all 20 wickets in the second Test. Sajid’s 7/111 in the first innings and Noman’s 8/46 in the second innings played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s 125-run victory, leveling the series at 1-1.

The series decider will be played in Rawalpindi from October 24, with both teams aiming to secure a series victory.

India Aims to Build Strong Core for Crucial Two-Year Period

India Aims to Build Strong Core for Crucial Two-Year Period

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and a strong core of players as India prepares for a crucial two-year period. With major events like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, ICC Champions Trophy, and potentially the World Test Championship Final on the horizon, Doeschate aims to build a team that can withstand the pressure.

Doeschate highlights the significance of a diverse pool of players who can fill multiple roles. He cites examples like Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Sanju Samson, who have demonstrated versatility in their batting positions. This flexibility allows India to adapt to different playing conditions and maintain a balanced team.

However, Doeschate stresses that maintaining the right mindset is paramount. He encourages players to push their limits, take risks, and believe in their abilities. He emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space where players feel comfortable experimenting and expanding their game.

Doeschate acknowledges Samson’s recent struggles but expresses confidence in his potential. He hints that Samson will likely get another opportunity to showcase his skills in the third T20I. The coach also indicates that India will continue to explore the option of having frontline batsmen bowl a few overs to support the main bowlers.

Despite focusing on long-term goals, Doeschate emphasizes the importance of winning each game. He believes that playing for one’s country and putting oneself under pressure is crucial for the team’s development. He also acknowledges the value of these less intense series in assessing fringe players and identifying their strengths and weaknesses.

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