"When I was a child, it is true that I dreamed of being the best"- Daniil Medvedev on chasing the World No. 1 spot

At a recent press conference, World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev admitted that becoming World No. 1 is not a "dream" but a "goal" for him. Medvedev stated that the prospect of achieving the No. 1 ranking motivates him to play well.

Daniil Medvedev will dethrone Novak Djokovic from the top spot in the ATP rankings if he triumphs at Acapulco Open 2022. The Russian kicked off his campaign in style after defeating Benoit Paire in straight sets in the first round of the tournament on Tuesday.

Medvedev revealed that he isn't under "different pressure" while playing at the Acapulco Open. He stressed that one always sets "ambitious goals" in order to become a better player.

The Russian feels that being the World No. 2 player, it is now a challenge for him to climb one more step on the ladder. He also asserted that he enjoys playing the sport and keeps learning from his defeats.

"When I was a child, it is true that I dreamed of being the best, but because I saw it as impossible. For years I have seen it as a possibility, so thinking about it motivates me, it is no longer a dream, but a goal. I don't think I have a different pressure than I have had at other times in my career because we are always setting ourselves ambitious goals to be better," said Medvedev.

"Being number 2 in the world, you assume that the challenge you must set for yourself is to move up one more position. I enjoy playing tennis, keep improving my game and learn from defeats, no matter how much I hate losing," added the Russian player.

Medvedev would have acquired the World No. 1 position at the Australian Open if he had won the title. However, he lost to Rafael Nadal in the final, prolonging his wait to reach the summit of the world rankings.

Daniil Medvedev believes he has "matured" after his Australian Open 2022 campaign

Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open 2022

At the same press conference, Medvedev also emphasized that he has "matured" after his campaign at the Australian Open 2022.

Referring to the incidents when he shouted at the chair umpire and even at some fans at the Happy Slam, Medvedev admitted that he made some mistakes and must continue to work on his mental strength.

"I think I have matured a lot and I am better now after what happened in Melbourne because I have also reached my own conclusions. I assume that I made mistakes, and I know that I must continue working on my mental strength," concluded Medvedev.

Daniil Medvedev will next face Spain's Pablo Andujar in the second round of the Acapulco Open 2022 on Wednesday.