Tennis star Daniil Medvedev hopes to turn his game around at Indian Wells, following a rough year marred by a haunting slump. The past year has seen the Russian prodigy grappling with a string of disappointments, not least of which was his heartrending loss against Jannik Sinner in the final round of the 2024 Australian Open.
In that gripping match, the Moscow-born champion displayed unparalleled skill and flair, dominating the first two sets before succumbing to Sinner’s relentless pressure in the deciding fifth set. This loss seemed to echo Medvedev’s previous defeat in the 2022 final, where he saw a similar comeback from Rafael Nadal at Melbourne Park.
Despite a lukewarm start to 2025, with an early elimination in the second round of the Australian Open, Medvedev has shown glimpses of his old form. His recent performances in Doha and Dubai have sparked hope among his fans. The 2021 US Open champion reached the quarterfinals in these two ATP 500 events, before being edged out by Felix Auger-Aliassime in Qatar and Tallon Griekspoor in the United Arab Emirates, respectively.
As Indian Wells beckons, the tennis world is eager to see if Medvedev can reclaim his mojo. His previous appearances at the ‘BNP Paribas Open’ have seen him reach the final twice, in both 2023 and 2024, although he was bested by Spain’s Carlitos Alcaraz on each occasion.
During a press conference before the tournament, Medvedev opened up about his evolving feelings about Indian Wells. The first time he participated, he recalled, he struggled to get to the venue and was ill with mononucleosis, which led him to develop a negative initial impression of the tournament.
Now, however, the Russian ace speaks fondly of the Californian tournament, revealing that he has discovered plenty to enjoy during the competition. He no longer stays in a hotel as he did during his first two years, but now shares accommodation with his team members. They spend their evenings playing pool and cooking together, creating a camaraderie that Medvedev relishes. “I love coming here,” he stated, illustrating his marked change in perspective about Indian Wells.
As the tennis world turns its eyes to California, all eyes will be on Medvedev, eager to see if he can overcome his past struggles and return to his winning ways. His journey from disdain to fondness for Indian Wells is a testament to his resilience, and fans will be hoping this resilience translates into his upcoming matches.