Russian tennis sensation, Daniil Medvedev, has returned to the Californian desert with a singular mission – to conquer the Indian Wells tournament. The tournament holds a special significance for Medvedev. Once, when sidelined with mononucleosis, he found himself struggling to find off-court interests during the tournament. But time has turned the tables. Now, he has not only grown fond of the tournament but also has had notable successes, reaching the finals in the last two editions of the BNP Paribas Open.
2022 was a memorable year for Medvedev as he entered the Indian Wells ranked World number 1. Today, three years later, he stands at number 6. His current season’s record of 8-5 may not be bad, but it doesn’t reflect his usual high standards. Despite playing five tournaments so far, he has reached the semifinals only once. His recent defeat to Tallon Griekspoor in the Dubai quarterfinals, despite having four match points, was a painful blow.
But true to his resilience, the 29-year-old is not one to wallow in defeat. He has come to Indian Wells with renewed energy and a clear intent. His bold statement in a pre-tournament presser was, “I’m here to win India Wells. I’m not certain if I’ll succeed, but if not, I’ll try in Miami or on clay.”
Medvedev’s approach to the game is a combination of competitiveness and adaptability. He has discovered various ways to enjoy his stay in Indian Wells, from frequenting the local race circuit, the Thermal, to indulging in leisure activities like pool and cooking with his team. He has moved from staying in hotels to having a house, which he believes adds to the positive vibes he experiences.
One significant change that Indian Wells has seen is the shift in the court surface. After 25 years, the tournament has switched its hard court surface from Plexipave to Laykold, the same material used in Miami and the US Open. Medvedev, known to thrive on pace and self-proclaimed as “the hard-court specialist,” has observed that the new courts seem slower than before. However, considering his last title victory was on a clay court at the 2023 Italian Open, one can expect him to adapt well to the new conditions.
Medvedev’s current season may seem like a series of near-misses. From losing a fifth-set tiebreak at the Australian Open to Learner Tien, to holding four match points in Dubai, he’s had his share of heartbreaks. However, he is well aware that momentum can shift quickly. One win, one breakthrough, can completely alter the course of the season. And Medvedev is hoping that Indian Wells could be that turning point. He is all set to kickstart his tournament against Yunchaokete Bu.
Will this tournament see Daniil Medvedev break his title drought? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain – Medvedev is here to give it his all, and his journey is worth watching closely.
