Daniil Medvedev, once the world’s top-ranking tennis player, began 2025 much like his previous season: in a battle to regain his form. Despite welcoming his second child and hoping for a fresh start, Medvedev’s early performance has not lived up to his high expectations. The current incarnation of this Russian talent is a far cry from the champion who seized victory at the US Open in 2021 and ascended to the pinnacle of the ATP rankings.
In a bid to reverse his fortunes, Medvedev has been exploring every avenue to reclaim his confidence. However, his recent decision to part ways with coach Gilles Simon underscores the depths of his struggle. According to Medvedev, the split was rooted in a disconnect between their visions and the persistently disappointing results over the past year.
Yet, the beginning of 2025 has not been entirely bleak for Medvedev. He showed signs of a return to form in the Doha ATP 500’s initial rounds, besting fellow Russian Karen Khachanov and Zizou Bergs. However, his progress was abruptly halted during his quarterfinal match with Felix Auger-Aliassime when he had to withdraw due to food poisoning.
In a surprising move, Medvedev departed the court without the traditional handshake, explaining later that he had been hit by food poisoning. “I was preparing for the match against Felix with my athletic trainer, and I soon realized I was completely drained,” the Russian Ace revealed during his pre-tournament press conference. “I had to take a break after a few minutes as I was gasping for breath. It was an awful sensation.”
He further stated, “I thought I was coming down with a fever and lay down. It was then that we realized I had food poisoning. I was convinced I was headed for the hospital, but thankfully I felt somewhat better the next day.”
With his health back on track, the 2021 US Open champion arrived in Dubai ahead of schedule, eager to break his trophy drought. He is set to face German powerhouse Struff in the first round, whom he had previously overcome in Marseille just weeks prior. Medvedev’s fans are no doubt hopeful that he will regain his form and ascend once again to the top of his game.
