Almost five years on from his US Open triumph, Daniil Medvedev sees no reason why he can’t add to his tally and it has nothing to do with Alexander Zverev’s French Open breakthrough.
The former world No.1 has experienced mixed fortunes at major events in recent times, having lost in the first round at four out of his last five heading into this year’s Wimbledon. At the All England Club, Medvedev moved into the third round on Wednesday with a comeback win over Spain’s Daniel Merida Aguilar, winning 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-2. He has now won 20 matches at Wimbledon during his career.
Medvedev, who turned 30 earlier this year, played some of his career in the shadows of others, with the Big Three taking centre stage. Still, he managed to win a major and spend 16 weeks at the top of the rankings, which is a longer run than Andy Roddick, Boris Becker and compatriot Marat Safin.
“I always believed in myself, and sometimes after some losses this belief drops. Sometimes after some wins this belief goes higher,” Medvedev explained during his press conference.
“Once you’re still in the tournament and you haven’t lost, I always believe I can win, beat everyone, and be the best.”
With this belief, Medvedev hopes to claim another major triumph, perhaps even at Wimbledon. He is a two-time semi-finalist at the tournament, with his most recent run being in 2024. On the surface, he has won one Tour-level title in Halle and was runner-up at three other tournaments.
Earlier this year at the French Open, Zverev ended the trend of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner winning Grand Slams. Alcaraz didn’t play and Sinner fell in the second round. For some players, this instilled a belief that these events might be starting to become more open.
However, Medvedev doesn’t subscribe to this view.
“I don’t think that seeing someone win makes you believe more in yourself,” he commented.
“I know that when I play my best tennis, which I did this year, even in a couple of tournaments, I can be in the final of a slam or win a slam, and that’s what matters.
“Sascha winning, it didn’t change my belief in it.
“I can only talk for myself. I believe in myself. But I’m pretty sure that other players from my generation believe in them as well and can win a Grand Slam, for sure.”
Medvedev is clear about his Grand Slam hopes but how would such an achievement compare with becoming No.1 again?
“Grand Slam is a higher achievement,” he states.
“For me, ranking is secondary, but it shows how well you have been playing for the last 52 weeks, and it’s a big achievement if you manage to play better than all the other guys in the world in these last 52 weeks.”
Medvedev faces either Brandon Nakashima or Jan-Lennard Struff in the next round.
