Despite the tumultuous period he’s currently facing, Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev, who hasn’t savored the taste of victory in almost two years, caused quite a stir recently when he revealed his childhood tennis idol. The surprising disclosure came during a pre-tournament interview at the Florida-based Miami Open, a tournament in which Medvedev has previously tasted success back in 2023.
Medvedev’s last major win dates back to May 2023 in Rome, and a significant final appearance has been elusive since the 2024 Indian Wells Masters. Despite this, the former world number one has shown glimmers of a potential comeback in recent outings, including a commendable performance at Indian Wells where he reached the semi-finals. Despite delivering an electrifying match against Arthur Fils, Medvedev’s current form proved insufficient to conquer rising star Holger Rune in the semi-finals.
The young Danish player, despite his own struggles, managed to capitalize on Medvedev’s current weaknesses and secured a comfortable victory. However, this setback has not dampened the Russian’s spirits as he aims to reclaim his glory at the Miami Open, where he previously clinched the title in 2023. Medvedev’s 2023 victory included a momentous final against current ATP ranking leader Jannik Sinner, who is absent this year due to suspension.
As part of the build-up to the Miami Open, Medvedev participated in a lively discussion with other notable figures in the sport, including Grigor Dimitrov, who was a finalist in Miami in 2024, James Blake, the current tournament director, and tennis legends Gustavo Kuerten and Juan Martin del Potro.
In a surprising twist during the interview, when asked about his favorite childhood player, Medvedev chose former German player Florian Mayer. This revelation left many taken aback, given Mayer’s unique playing style and technique. Medvedev reminisced about his first Challenger final match against Mayer, where the German player outperformed him, winning decisively with a score of 6-2, 6-1.
It’s evident that despite his current challenges, Medvedev maintains a deep love for the sport. His admiration for Mayer’s distinctive style reflects in his own game, and as he steps onto the court in Miami, fans will be eager to see if the Russian ace can recapture his former glory.
