Daniil Medvedev, one of the most enigmatic and compelling figures on the ATP Tour, recently offered a candid glimpse into his intricate mind during an in-depth interview with journalist Sofya Tartakova. Known for his often-contrasting on-court intensity and off-court composure, Medvedev delved into the complexities of his personality, his relentless drive for victory, and even pondered the ambitious hypothetical of achieving a staggering ten Grand Slam titles.
“I’m a complicated person,” the former world No. 1 admitted, a statement that resonates deeply with those who have observed his career trajectory. He elaborated on the dichotomy between his seemingly laid-back demeanor off the court and the fiery, often sarcastic, persona that emerges during high-stakes matches. Medvedev clarified, “It’s not really two different personalities. It’s just that on the court, there are things that make me feel the emotions. I mean, things like adrenaline, and emotions that I very rarely experience in real life.”1 He detailed how rare it is for him to outwardly express anger or frustration in his daily life, perhaps only “twice a year, three times a year,” but on the tennis court, “it happens, if not every day, then very often!” This distinction, he explained, stems from the unparalleled precision and intensity required in professional tennis, actions that simply don’t have parallels in his everyday existence. “There is no action in my life that I need to execute with this precision. That’s why I don’t get nervous [off court].”
Indeed, off-court, Medvedev typically projects a more relaxed and introspective image, a stark contrast to the passionate competitor seen battling for every point. When pressed to describe his easygoing off-court self, he chuckled, “I honestly don’t know how to describe myself at all. I always prefer to say that people around me can describe me, but thankfully, they don’t give out interviews!” He further elaborated on the perception others might have of him: “I seem very simple when people meet me, have a chat with me. They think, ‘Ok, I understood him. I can see right through him.’ But if you were to hang out with me a little longer, you would see there is a whole world.” This internal complexity, he suggested, fully unleashes itself during competition. “When I’m on the court, it’s not a separate person, but it’s just that this complicated world inside of me comes out and fully shows itself on the court.”2
The conversation inevitably shifted to the topic of Grand Slams, the pinnacle of tennis achievement. Medvedev, with his solitary US Open title from 2021, openly contemplated a future where his tally could have been significantly higher. “Maybe I could have won 10 Grand Slams,” he mused, a bold assertion that speaks volumes about his ambition and belief in his own capabilities. This introspection comes at a time when he finds himself navigating a challenging landscape in men’s tennis, caught between the enduring dominance of legends like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, and the rising tide of prodigious talents such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Medvedev acknowledged the unique challenge of competing across these generations. “I think in every sport you can see it where you are up against someone really strong, and the moment you think maybe they become weaker, or at least you feel like it, there are new guys coming that try to beat you, and manage to do it sometimes.”3 He specifically cited his intense rivalry with Sinner, particularly their epic Australian Open final in 2024. “Australian Open [2024 final against Sinner] was peak of my peak,” he conceded, adding, “yes, I was tired physically, this, that, and maybe I would win if I would not be tired, but this is if. The fact is I was at my peak and I didn’t4 win.” Despite the disappointment, he finds a certain enjoyment in confronting such formidable opponents. “It’s not an easy feeling. They play very good. I feel like they have better shots than me. But every time I come to play them, I’m thinking about how can I win this match, be better than last time, if I lost the last one. And if I won the last one, how can I still be better?5 Because they’re going to come up with something new. And honestly, I like this feeling.” He reflected on his triumph over Djokovic at the 2021 US Open as a prime example: “It’s a great feeling to be able to overcome this, like I did once with Novak in the US Open, and it’s a feeling that is a good one.”6
Beyond the mental and tactical aspects, Medvedev also touched upon the physical toll of professional tennis. At 29, he admitted that his body is no longer able to sustain the grueling 25-tournament-a-year schedule he once embraced as a younger player. “When I was 20, 21, 22, you just play tournaments non-stop, you just go for it. Now, I feel like my body cannot work with, let’s say, 25 tournaments a year, so I have to choose them more wisely.”7 This necessity, however, presents a dilemma, as playing more tournaments often builds confidence. He described it as a “tough balance to find,” especially as he prioritizes spending time with his wife and daughter.
Another significant area of discussion was his evolving relationship with clay courts. A self-proclaimed hard-court specialist, Medvedev has historically viewed clay as his least favored surface. Yet, he has made significant strides, particularly last season, which saw him arrive at Roland Garros with an impressive 10-2 record on clay and a title in Rome. “Every year, playing on clay, looking for something, looking to be better, looking to adapt more and more. I feel like I managed to do it very well,”8 he explained, attributing some of his improvement to a change in strings. Despite his progress, he still acknowledges, “still worse than on hard courts, but a better player.”
Medvedev’s interview paints a vivid picture of a deeply thoughtful and driven athlete. He is not merely a tennis player but a complex individual grappling with the demands of elite sport, personal growth, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. His honest reflections on his past, his present challenges, and his lofty aspirations for the future offer a fascinating insight into the mind of a top competitor.
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