Daniil Medvedev is no stranger to adversity, but 2024 was a year he’d rather forget—a winless season that exposed the cracks in his once-dominant game. Now, in 2025, the former world No. 1 is fighting to regain his edge, yet early exits at the Australian Open and Rotterdam suggest the road back is anything but smooth.
For a player who once looked like the heir to Novak Djokovic’s relentless baseline empire, the rise of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz has shifted the landscape. Medvedev himself admits that his game has become too predictable, and the sport’s new powerhouses have taken him out of Grand Slam contention.
Medvedev’s Biggest Concern: Power vs. Precision
In an interview with L’Equipe following his first-round win over Pierre-Hugues Herbert at the Marseille ATP 250, Medvedev opened up about his struggles.
“The main problem is that I don’t have the baseline power of players like Carlitos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner, who can close rallies at any time thanks to their shots. I don’t have this advantage.”
It’s a brutally honest assessment from Medvedev, who has built his career on defensive brilliance, consistency, and elite court coverage. But in a sport that is rapidly favoring aggressive baseliners, his grinding counterpunching style is becoming less effective.
The Ball Controversy: Medvedev’s Frustration With ATP Equipment
Medvedev has also been one of the most vocal critics of the balls currently used on the ATP Tour, believing they disadvantage players like him who rely on precision and endurance rather than sheer power.
“Tennis is my greatest passion, and I think every day about how to improve.”
He’s aware that simply sticking to his old formula won’t be enough, which is why he’s looking to expand his arsenal—adding new weapons to keep up with the power-hitters.
What’s Next for Medvedev?
- The Marseille Open is an opportunity to gain much-needed momentum and test adjustments to his game.
- Expect more aggressive tactics, possibly taking the ball earlier and looking for ways to shorten points.
- The Sunshine Double (Indian Wells & Miami Open) will be a crucial test to see if Medvedev can truly reinvent himself.
Can Medvedev Reclaim His Dominance?
With Alcaraz, Sinner, and Djokovic leading the charge, Medvedev faces the toughest challenge of his career. He is still one of the most tactically intelligent players on tour, but if he can’t evolve, his Grand Slam-winning days may already be behind him.
The next few months will determine whether Medvedev finds a way back to the top—or fades further into the background.
