SUMMARY
- Daniil Medvedev had a painful start to the 2024 season.
- Daniil Medvedev’s grand slam consistency has been this year, but a former champion spoke about his perspective on the player.
The 2024 Australian Open saw Jannik Sinner break various records while lifting the trophy. But his opponent, Daniil Medvedev, had his share of history written into the game. It was Medvedev’s fifth loss at a grand slam final. He was heartbroken after the loss, as he had a two-set lead in the match. Fans began to wonder if Medvedev would win another Grand Slam.
Medvedev was praised as a player by Andy Roddick on his “Served” podcast. The former world No. 1 said whoever thinks Medvedev is a “One slam wonder” is an “Idiot.” He said, “One of the most underappreciated players ever. And I’ll throw myself under the bus on this one.” Roddick stated that the “Octopus” had beaten Novak Djokovic at the 2021 US Open in straight sets to win his first major title.
Roddick stood for Medvedev and even mentioned that he had won 20 titles on tour. He also said that Medvedev was ranked No. 1 on the tour for a reason. The American has been encouraging the players on the tour. He had spoken for Andy Murray as fans suggested he retire after the loss at Montpellier a few days back.
Daniil Medvedev sticks with same tour schedule despite Australian Open loss
Medvedev has had a long and enduring start to the 2024 season. He has played seven matches and has spent 24 hours and 17 minutes on the court so far. The world No. 2 will be taking a rest for a week and getting back on tour. He is expected to play next at the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam on February 10. Medvedev had defeated Sinner in the final of the previous edition of the event.
The 27-year-old will be defending 2,850 points until March, as he had a terrific run last season. Medvedev had reached five consecutive finals and won the first three championship matches. This time, he will need to perform the same to keep his rankings safe. He is the top seed at Rotterdam and will hope to play shorter matches, unlike at Melbourne.
🤴KING OF THE CASTLE 🏰
Daniil Medvedev is champion in @rotterdamahoy after a majestic week, capped off by a strong comeback win over Jannik Sinner: 5-7 6-2 6-2. 🥳
Let the coronation commence! 🏆👑 #abnamroopen pic.twitter.com/MR9mayk8b8
— ABN AMRO Open (@abnamroopen) February 19, 2023
Medvedev will be playing at Rotterdam for the fifth time. He will look to become the first Russian player to win the singles event on more than one occasion. Medvedev is also hoping to be the first player since Gael Monfils in 2020 to defend his crown at Rotterdam. The form in the next few weeks is going to set the tone for Medvedev for the rest of the season.