Daniil Medvedev kicked off the season as world no. 2, seeking his second consecutive Major title at the Australian Open. The Russian reached the final and faced Rafael Nadal in the title clash. Medvedev played well and opened a massive 6-2, 7-6, 3-2, 40-0 advantage, looking good to seal the deal in straight sets.
Instead, Nadal recovered his game and scored a monumental 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 triumph in five hours and 24 minutes to steal the crown from Medvedev. Daniil did not enjoy the rest of the season. He missed some tournaments due to an injury and skipped Wimbledon because of the flag by his name!
Medvedev claimed two smaller ATP titles and finished as world no. 7, hoping for a better run in 2023. The Russian is eager to get back where he belongs in the season ahead of us, knowing how to challenge the rivals from the top on the big scene and showing that a couple of times.
Daniil Medvedev is ready for more good results in 2023.
Daniil’s first Major crown came at the US Open 2021. Medvedev played against Novak Djokovic, who chased a calendar Grand Slam, the first since 1969! The Russian toppled a 20-time Major winner 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 for his first Major trophy at 25.
Novak had won 27 straight matches at Majors before that clash, seeking an elusive calendar Grand Slam and his 21st Major trophy. Instead, he cracked under pressure and lost in straight sets. The Russian hit 38 winners and 31 unforced errors to leave the Serb behind.
Daniil produced bold and aggressive tennis to outplay Novak and achieve a career-best victory. Medvedev claimed the opening two sets with two breaks and earned a couple in the third to cross the finish line and join tennis immortals.
“When you have confidence from winning matches, you are more of a favorite for Majors. However, Carlos did not play his best tennis before the US Open. He won the title thanks to his talent and the game. I think the same about myself.
I can play good tennis and beat anyone on a good day. I’m capable of winning Majors because I did that against Novak Djokovic when he chased a calendar Grand Slam at the 2021 US Open. I know I have it in me; I have to find a way to make it happen more often than I did in 2022,” Daniil Medvedev said.
