Goffin on Medvedev in Cincinnati: "It's like playing against a wall" | ATP Tour

David Goffin broke through a barrier this week at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati by reaching his first ATP Masters 1000 final. The Belgian had been 0-4 in the semifinals of the 1000 Masters.

On Sunday, Goffin collided with a "wall" named Daniil Medvedev, the 23-year-old Russian who beat Goffin 7-6 (3), 6-4 to win his first Masters 1000 title.

"He is super strong. He does not miss. It's like playing against a wall, "said Goffin. "I play just cross, wait for the ball. His step is not too fast, not too slow. It's a pretty special rhythm to play against him. And then you receive bombs coming from his service, and then he does not miss.

"That's why everyone struggles, because it's so constant, now with more confidence. "

Medvedev reached his third consecutive ATP final in Cincinnati after falling in the title of Citi Open (against Kyrgios) and the Rogers Cup (against Nadal).

"Some points made the difference. He was more confident and had more wins than me, so that made the difference. I have no regrets, even though it was a good opportunity, "said Goffin.

The 28-year-old, however, strengthened his confidence ahead of the US Open, the Grand Slam final of the season, qualifying for the second time in the season finale (Halle, L. to Federer).

"I think it started badly, so what I'm proud of this week is how I fought to get back to my best level, because it was not easy after Montreal to come here. I did not feel well, "said Goffin.

"[It was a] difficult first round against [Taylor] Fritz, second round against [Guido] Pella. And then, match after game, I worked a lot to start feeling the ball, to be more aggressive, more confident. And in the end I played well. The semifinals and the final, I played well. The key was to fight.

One of the four semifinals of the Goffin Masters 1000 was held in Cincinnati last year, when he had to pull out against Roger Federer. But Goffin has his health now and another good run at Cincy. Both will help the rest of his 2019 season.

"I liked a lot … I always had good matches, good results. It was a second semifinal back to back, and then I won the semifinal against Richard [Gasquet]So that's another final. Still good memories, "said Goffin. "It's still a special tournament because I know I play well here."