Daniil Medvedev Sets His Sights on Glory: A Comeback Journey at the 2025 Australian Open

Daniil Medvedev, a three-time Australian Open finalist, is strategizing to challenge Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz following an exceptional pre-season. He aims to leverage his preparation to elevate his game this summer.

Daniil Medvedev recently celebrated the arrival of his second child before making his way to Melbourne, continuing with the strategy he implemented last season of forgoing lead-in tournaments to rejuvenate himself for the Australian Open.

The approach proved advantageous for him in 2024, as he advanced to the final and initially took the lead against Jannik Sinner by winning the first two sets. However, Sinner turned the tables and ultimately secured the championship.

As Medvedev began his journey in 2024, Australian tennis legend Ash Barty expressed confidence in his abilities, predicting that he could capture his second Grand Slam title this week. Nevertheless, Medvedev reflected on his performance, asserting that he felt his efforts this year had not met his expectations and recognizing a distinct difference between himself and rising stars like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

Sinner was a prominent presence in Medvedev's section of the draw, prompting the Russian player to acknowledge that improving his head-to-head results against the top players would be crucial if he wished to replicate the success he achieved at the 2021 US Open.

“I found it challenging to disrupt the flow last year, with the exception of my performance at the Australian Open,” the 28-year-old shared on Friday. “Carlos and Jannik have bested me on numerous occasions. Although I reached significant stages in various tournaments, I often fell short against them.”

Medvedev expressed a desire to reclaim his status as a disruptor in the sport, admitting that Sinner and Alcaraz are currently viewed as the frontrunners. He emphasized his intention to devise a strategy that could potentially turn the tide in his favor.

The player also mentioned a preference for a delayed start to the ATP season, indicating that he was willing to forfeit ranking points by sitting out early-season events to ensure a more successful preparation for the initial Grand Slam of the year. “I wouldn’t want to make any bold declarations, but I believe my pre-season was one of the most effective I’ve had in quite some time. It spanned about five weeks, which is quite substantial,” Medvedev explained.

“I made a similar choice last year, opting not to compete in any tournaments. In my view, the season begins too early. In Russia, we celebrate New Year’s Eve on December 31st and January 1st, which is significant for us, as that’s when Santa Claus arrives to distribute gifts.”

With his family expanding, Medvedev expressed a strong desire to remain at home during this crucial time. He indicated that he does not foresee himself participating in any events before the Australian Open in the future, emphasizing his wish to spend quality time with his loved ones.

Known for his fiery demeanor on the court, Medvedev has been known to engage with Australian crowds, his opponents, and even match officials, notably calling the chair umpire a “small cat” during a heated semi-final clash in 2022. Recently, he shared his perspective on the scrutiny surrounding the practice of “cold handshakes” that players sometimes display towards their opponents after a loss on the men’s tour.

“I believe tennis players could be a bit more accommodating regarding cold handshakes, though I personally prefer a more warm exchange,” he stated. “I’ve always admired the way Novak Djokovic handles post-match interactions; after the final point, he embraces a mindset that the battle is over, and he smiles. I’m fine with either approach, but I do lean towards warm handshakes.”

As Medvedev prepares for his first-round match, he will face Thai wildcard Kasidit Samrej, hoping to solidify his position as a contender in the tournament.