Daniil Medvedev, the Russian tennis star and former world No. 1, recently revealed a hidden struggle that shadowed his remarkable 2023 season, including his run to the US Open final. The 29-year-old admitted to enduring “a lot” of shoulder pain for an entire year, from mid-2023 to mid-2024, which significantly impacted his serve and overall energy on the court. Despite this persistent injury, Medvedev’s resilience carried him to notable achievements, including a dramatic semifinal victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the 2023 US Open, only to fall to Novak Djokovic in the final. His candid disclosure during a press conference at the 2025 Citi DC Open in Washington offers a glimpse into the physical and mental fortitude that defines his career.
Medvedev’s 2023 season was a rollercoaster of triumphs and challenges. His victory at the Rome Masters, a clay-court tournament where he famously dislikes playing, marked a career highlight. Defeating top players like Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Holger Rune, he claimed his first clay title, showcasing his adaptability. However, the shoulder pain that began around this time became a constant companion. “If I remember correctly, it would be from mid-2023 to mid-2024,” Medvedev shared, reflecting on the timeline. “It was painful almost all the time. Sometimes more, sometimes less.” The injury hindered his serve, a critical weapon in his arsenal, and even affected his forehand and general energy levels, making every match a test of endurance.
Despite the discomfort, Medvedev’s determination shone through. His run to the 2023 US Open final was a testament to his grit. “I managed to reach the final of the 2023 US Open, which was an incredible stretch on my part, but I had shoulder pain every day,” he disclosed. The pain was particularly debilitating during practice, where he often avoided serving to prevent aggravating the injury. “It’s not easy because in many training sessions, you want to work on the serve, but I didn’t because I was afraid of making it worse,” he explained. Yet, the adrenaline of competition masked the pain during matches, allowing him to push through against formidable opponents like Alcaraz, only to be outlasted by Djokovic’s relentless precision.
The shoulder issue contributed to a challenging period for Medvedev, who has not won a title since Rome in 2023. After dropping out of the top 10 in March 2025, he now sits at world No. 14, a stark contrast to his 2021 US Open triumph over Djokovic, where he denied the Serb a Calendar Grand Slam. The injury’s impact extended beyond the physical, sapping his energy and confidence. “When you have pain, the energy’s not the same,” Medvedev noted, highlighting the mental toll of playing through discomfort. His 2024 season was further marred by early exits at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and a hip injury forced him to retire from the Madrid Open quarterfinals. Despite these setbacks, Medvedev’s recent performances in Washington, including a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Yibing Wu, signal a resurgence. “After a couple of days in Ibiza, you realise that the only way forward is to work hard,” he said, reflecting on his post-Wimbledon break.
Now pain-free, Medvedev is focused on reclaiming his place among the elite during the North American hard-court swing, a surface where he thrives, having won 15 of his 20 career titles on hard courts. His victory over Reilly Opelka in a tight three-setter at the Citi DC Open demonstrates his returning form. Looking ahead, Medvedev aims to leverage his pain-free status to compete in Cincinnati and the US Open, where he has a storied history. “So, it’s not the end of the world, but surely it’s better to live without pain, and right now I have none,” he said, expressing optimism about his recovery.
Medvedev’s journey underscores the grueling demands of professional tennis, where players often battle unseen injuries. His ability to reach major finals while managing chronic pain highlights his mental toughness and strategic acumen. As he navigates the 2025 season, fans are eager to see if the lanky Russian, known for his cerebral approach and relentless baseline game, can rediscover the form that made him a Grand Slam champion and a global tennis icon.
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