Former world No.1 Daniil Medvedev says he has no plans to step away from tennis anytime soon after suffering a surprise exit from the Rotterdam Open.
Medvedev, who is a former US Open champion, was knocked out of the tournament by world No.92 Mattia Bellucci on Wednesday in a three-set roller-coaster. The defeat followed the Australian Open where Medvedev was knocked out in the second round by American teenager Learner Tien. According to his ATP profile, this year is the first time the Russian has started his season by failing to win back-to-back matches at his first two tournaments since 2015.
The 28-year-old recently confirmed Gilles Simon’s departure from his team but is still working with his long-term coach, Gilles Cervara. As for his future, when speaking to reporters following his loss to Bellucci, he played down the suggestion of retirement.
“I don’t think that’s gonna happen soon,” he said.
“I like tennis, I’m still winning a lot of money, so I’m gonna continue playing until I can do it. Then, if I drop out of top 100, then I don’t know… but this is probably not gonna happen.
“I’m pretty sure I can come back strong enough. The question is, when? Tomorrow? Next month? In 12 months? This, I don’t know”
Medvedev has won 20 ATP titles so far in his career but the last trophy he lifted was in May 2023 at the Italian Open. He has also lost five out of his last six matches against top 10 players dating back to the US Open.
However, when it comes down to his performance in Rotterdam Medvedev believes the biggest problem for him was the slow court and balls. The tournament is held on indoor hardcourts at the Ahoy Arena.
“I don’t have enough strength in these circumstances to dictate the match.” He said.
Medvedev is the first seed to exit this year’s draw in Rotterdam. He won the tournament back in 2023.
