KEY POINTS

  • Daniil Medvedev defeated Novak Djokovic in U.S. Open final last year
  • Medvedev has progressed to third round in this year's edition
  • Rafael Nadal has already won two Grand Slams this year

Defending champion Daniil Medvedev believes Rafael Nadal is a "big favorite" to win the U.S. Open this year.

Medvedev's comments came at a post-match conference after he defeated France's Arthur Rinderknech 6-2, 7-5, 6-3 to qualify for the third round. Wednesday's win meant Medvedev has now won 20 of his past 22 matches at the year's final major.

Nadal, who is yet to lose a Grand Slam game this year, has clinched two major titles (Australian Open and Roland Garros) and had reached the semi-final at Wimbledon before he was forced to pull out due to an injury.

"I don't want to put pressure on anybody, but I think Rafa is a big favorite also. He won the last time he played here against me actually. He won two Slams this year. ... He actually didn't lose in a Grand Slam this year," Medvedev told reporters Wednesday.

Nadal beat Australia's 21-year-old Rinky Hijikata in four sets and will face Italy's Fabio Fognini in his second round Thursday.

Spain's Rafael Nadal will chase a fifth US Open crown -- in a draw without Novak Djokovic -- but there are concerns about his fitness
Rafa Nadal has won the U.S. Open four times

Medvedev, who defeated Novak Djokovic to claim his maiden Grand Slam last year in New York, is aiming to become the first man in 14 years to defend his title at Flushing Meadows.

Medvedev also said he was happy with his game's current level after he saved all three break points and went past Rinderknech in two hours and 11 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"In general I'm happy with my level in the third set, so that's great. At the end of the match, it was getting better and better. At the same time a win is the most important, three sets. Try to get out as early as possible even if it is pretty late. Looking forward to [the] next round," the Russian player said, according to ATP.

The World No. 1 will next play against Wu Yibing, the 22-year-old Chinese player who became the first male singles player from the country to reach a U.S. Open third round in the tournament's history (since 1881).

Speaking of Wu, Medvedev said he was expecting a tough third-round game.

"He seems to play great. I'm expecting a tough match and will need to be at my best," said Medvedev, according to U.S. Open's official website.