Daniil Medvedev has had the unique opportunity to test his skills against some of the greatest players in tennis history, including Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. However, the Russian star admitted that he has never faced anything quite like Jannik Sinner’s performance at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh. Medvedev’s praise for Sinner came after their quarter-final clash, where world No. 1 Sinner delivered a commanding 6-0, 6-3 victory in just 70 minutes, a match that left Medvedev reeling from the Italian’s relentless pressure and machine-like precision.
The highly anticipated match between Medvedev and Sinner was a showcase of top-tier tennis, with both players ranked in the top five globally. Medvedev, currently ranked world No. 5, had recently experienced defeat at the hands of Sinner during the Shanghai Masters. However, the encounter in Riyadh was even more one-sided, with Sinner delivering a dominant performance from the very first serve. Despite Medvedev’s best efforts, he was unable to gain any momentum, winning only three games throughout the match.
Reflecting on his performance, Medvedev admitted that he felt competitive on the court, both mentally and physically. Yet, Sinner’s level of play was simply too overwhelming. “I felt good on the court physically and fought well, but I suffered a heavy loss,” Medvedev explained after the match. “I have never experienced anything like that. Jannik was like a machine today.” This statement is particularly telling given that Medvedev has faced—and defeated—some of the biggest names in tennis. Still, he confessed that Sinner’s consistency and power were unlike anything he had encountered before.
Sinner’s dominance was apparent from the start. He broke Medvedev’s serve in the opening game, taking advantage of a volley error from the Russian and quickly establishing a 3-0 lead. The world No. 1 displayed incredible court coverage and accuracy, forcing Medvedev into uncomfortable positions and capitalizing on his mistakes. The pressure only mounted for Medvedev, who struggled to find his rhythm, especially after missing his first serves. Sinner’s relentless attack resulted in five service breaks, leaving Medvedev with little opportunity to fight back.
One of the most striking aspects of Sinner’s performance was his ability to convert break points and maintain his service games. Medvedev faced an astonishing 18 break points during the match, managing to save 13 of them, but ultimately couldn’t withstand Sinner’s unyielding pressure. On the other hand, Sinner faced five break points, all in the second set, and successfully defended every one of them. His ability to stay calm under pressure, especially in the pivotal moments, highlighted his maturity and focus on the court.
The opening set was particularly brutal for Medvedev, as Sinner delivered a 6-0 bagel in just over 30 minutes. Medvedev found himself on the back foot from the start, with Sinner drawing errors from the Russian and taking advantage of his faltering confidence. Medvedev’s frustration was evident, as he struggled to hold serve and find answers to Sinner’s relentless groundstrokes. By the time Sinner served for the set, he had already built a massive lead, and despite Medvedev’s efforts to claw his way back, the Italian sealed the set with an ace, demonstrating his composure and serving power.
The second set saw Medvedev briefly regain some control, holding his serve and defending three break points in the third game. However, Sinner’s momentum remained unshaken. The Italian broke Medvedev’s serve again in the fifth game, aided by another double fault from the Russian, and consolidated his lead with a love hold to move up 4-2. Medvedev, visibly frustrated, managed his only comfortable hold of the match in the seventh game, but the damage had already been done.
Sinner’s ability to play consistently under pressure was showcased in the eighth game of the second set when he faced three break points. Medvedev, desperately trying to get back into the match, squandered the opportunities with unforced errors, including a loose forehand that cost him a crucial break chance. Sinner, unflustered by Medvedev’s aggressive attempts, saved all three break points with precise winners and held his serve, putting him one game away from victory.
Medvedev’s last stand came as he served to stay in the match at 3-5. Despite saving one match point, he couldn’t overcome Sinner’s relentless assault, and a final drop shot from the Italian forced Medvedev into a costly error, sealing the match. With the win, Sinner advanced to the next round, continuing his remarkable form in the Six Kings Slam.
Sinner’s journey through the tournament was nothing short of extraordinary. After dispatching Medvedev in such convincing fashion, the Italian went on to defeat both Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, claiming the title and taking home a staggering $6 million prize. Sinner’s victory in Riyadh cemented his place among the top players in the world, and his performance against Medvedev was a clear indication of his growing dominance on the ATP Tour.
Medvedev’s comments after the match underscore just how impressive Sinner’s performance was. “Carlos [Alcaraz] can deliver incredible shots, but Jannik is more consistent, like a machine,” Medvedev said, acknowledging that even at his best, he could not find a way to compete with the Italian’s level of play. It’s a testament to Sinner’s growth as a player, and it raises the question of whether we are witnessing the rise of a new era in men’s tennis, with Sinner at the forefront.
For Medvedev, the loss in Riyadh was a humbling experience, but it also serves as a reminder of the incredible depth of talent in today’s game. As the tennis world looks ahead, all eyes will be on Jannik Sinner, who is proving that he has what it takes to challenge the established order and perhaps, one day, join the ranks of the sport’s all-time greats.