As the final Masters 1000 event of the year kicks off in Paris-Bercy, the spotlight is on Daniil Medvedev, a player who has had his fair share of ups and downs this season. The Russian, known for his tactical brilliance and consistency, has historically performed well on the hard courts of Paris, but 2024 has been a year without titles, a rare occurrence for the former World No. 1. Medvedev’s journey in the French capital could be his last opportunity to redeem what has been a lackluster year and to end on a high note with a strong showing at Paris-Bercy and the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin.
Despite some commendable performances in high-profile matches, Medvedev’s season has fallen short of his own expectations. The 2021 US Open champion began the year with high hopes, only to be outshined by emerging stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Both Sinner and Alcaraz have repeatedly managed to get the best of him, a factor that seems to have impacted Medvedev’s confidence and consistency on the court.
Jannik Sinner, in particular, has posed a unique challenge for Medvedev. The Italian star defeated him in the final of the Australian Open at the beginning of the year, followed by more victories in the semifinals of the Miami Masters and the quarterfinals of the US Open. Each match showcased Sinner’s relentless baseline game, which appears to disrupt Medvedev’s defensive playstyle.
Carlos Alcaraz has also had Medvedev’s number, defeating him in the Indian Wells Masters final and later in the Wimbledon semifinals. These losses not only added to the Russian’s frustrations but also highlighted the evolution of a new generation capable of outplaying him. Medvedev, known for his ability to grind down opponents, found himself overwhelmed by Alcaraz’s dynamic shot-making and Sinner’s steady, machine-like precision.
Ahead of his anticipated Paris-Bercy campaign, Medvedev spoke candidly to *France Télévision* about his mixed experiences with the French crowd, reflecting on the unique atmosphere that the Parisian fans bring to his matches. “Sometimes I can seduce the French crowd, and sometimes I can’t. Bercy and Roland Garros are the same. There are days when the whole stadium is behind me, and days when the whole stadium is against me. The French are hard to seduce. One day we love you, and another day we don’t. Let’s see how it goes this year,” he said. Medvedev’s sometimes playful, sometimes contentious relationship with audiences around the world has been a hallmark of his career. This emotional dynamic adds another layer to his matches and often makes him a compelling player to watch.
The Russian ace’s season is down to these two events: Paris-Bercy and the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. If he finishes 2024 without a title, it will mark one of his least successful seasons in recent years—a disappointment for a player of Medvedev’s caliber. Looking forward to 2025, Medvedev will face mounting pressure to defend substantial points from his final appearances at this year’s Australian Open and Indian Wells, along with a semifinal finish in Miami. With these points on the line, he will need to return to form swiftly at the start of next season.
This year has also come with physical challenges for Medvedev. In Shanghai, during the Masters 1000 event, he experienced shoulder issues that affected his performance. He struggled again at the ‘Six Kings Slam’ in Saudi Arabia, where Jannik Sinner handed him one of the most stinging defeats of his career. Reflecting on that match, Medvedev admitted, “I usually think of Jannik Sinner as a little bit more consistent, more like a machine, while Carlos Alcaraz is a little bit more, you know, swinging with some classy shots. But when Carlos is at the top of his game, I consider him slightly better. But we’re talking about peak performance. Today I changed my opinion. I’ve never played against someone who played like Jannik Sinner today.”
Medvedev’s comments underscore his admiration for the two rising stars while also hinting at the frustration he feels as he faces new challenges from these younger talents. In a recent interview, he acknowledged that Alcaraz and Sinner are now the reference points in men’s tennis, much like the “Big Three” were in the past. “There were always tough guys. Before, it was Rafa, Roger, Novak. Now it is Carlos, Jannik, some other guys. You just have to practice hard, try to improve your game, and try to beat them,” Medvedev said.
While his respect for the next generation is evident, Medvedev remains determined to close the gap. The off-season will be crucial for him as he prepares to add new elements to his game in an attempt to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite. One area of focus will likely be his offensive game, as Sinner and Alcaraz have shown an ability to overpower him when he relies too heavily on his defensive baseline play.
In the meantime, the Paris-Bercy event offers a glimmer of hope. Medvedev’s affinity for the indoor hard courts in Paris could be the key to ending his title drought. He has a first-round bye, but his potential second-round match against either Matteo Berrettini or Alexei Popyrin promises to be a challenging opener. Both Berrettini, a power-hitting Italian, and Popyrin, an up-and-coming talent from Australia, will bring their own unique challenges to the match, and Medvedev will need to be sharp from the outset.
With just two tournaments left in the year, Daniil Medvedev is at a pivotal moment in his career. Paris-Bercy and the ATP Finals could serve as a springboard into a successful 2025, restoring the confidence that has waned over this tumultuous season. If Medvedev can manage to claim a title or two before the year’s end, it could prove to be the motivation he needs to face the new season with renewed vigor. As he continues to navigate the evolving landscape of men’s tennis, Medvedev’s journey remains one of resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.