The turbulence in Daniil Medvedev’s 2024 season just hit another rough patch. The former world No. 1 suffered yet another unexpected defeat, this time in the Open 13 Provence semifinals, where 21-year-old Hamad Medjedovic pulled off the biggest win of his career.
The loss marks yet another stumble for Medvedev, who now holds a shaky 4-3 record this season. For a player once considered the most formidable hard-court force behind Novak Djokovic, the back-to-back upsets against ATP newcomers signal a troubling trend.
New Generation Leaves Medvedev Reeling
Medvedev’s 2024 campaign has been a series of missteps, with young challengers dismantling his game in a way few could have predicted. The Russian has now suffered defeats against Learner Tien, Mattia Bellucci, and now Medjedovic—all outside the top 50 and all scoring their first-ever top-10 wins against him.
The Open 13 Provence was supposed to be a turning point for the Russian after shock exits in the Australian Open and Rotterdam. Instead, Medvedev’s title drought continues, and his struggles against rising stars are raising concerns about his ability to maintain his elite status.
Meanwhile, Medjedovic’s triumph is yet another indication that a new wave of talent is surging through the ATP. The Serbian, long mentored by Novak Djokovic, had been struggling to make his mark at the ATP level despite his 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals victory. But with this semifinal win, he’s now officially announced himself as a legitimate threat.
“I think I played one of my best matches of the week,” Medjedovic said. “I am really happy. I delivered on my tactics, had a great performance, and I am really happy to be through.”
Medvedev’s Ranking Under Threat?
Despite another disappointing loss, Medvedev did manage to collect some ranking points in Marseille. However, his form crisis is becoming a glaring issue, as he now looks like the top-10 player in the worst shape at the moment.
Adding to the urgency, the Russian hasn’t lifted a title in 2024, and with defending champions breathing down his neck, maintaining his ranking will be a challenge if he doesn’t turn things around fast.
Doha Open: Medvedev’s Last Chance to Rebuild Confidence?
Next up, Medvedev heads to the Doha Open, where he won the title in 2023. But redemption won’t come easy—his first test will be against Karen Khachanov, the defending champion and a player who knows Medvedev’s game inside out.
With his ranking and reputation on the line, this upcoming clash could define Medvedev’s season. Can he bounce back, or is this the beginning of a downward spiral for the former world No. 1?
