Daniil Medvedev once again voiced his frustration about the ball quality on the ATP Tour, suggesting that it contributed to his early exit at the Paris Masters. The Russian, currently ranked World No. 5, was defeated in a tense three-set match by Australia’s Alexei Popyrin on Wednesday. The unseeded Popyrin triumphed 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(4) in what was a challenging encounter for Medvedev, who struggled to find consistency on the court. Medvedev has had a turbulent history at the Paris Masters; after capturing the title in 2020 and finishing as runner-up in 2021, he has been unable to progress past the opening rounds for the last three years. Following his latest early exit, he pointed to ball inconsistencies as a major factor impacting his recent performances.
Medvedev has frequently criticized the balls in use at ATP events throughout the season, particularly on hard courts, which he generally excels on. After his loss in Bercy, he continued to highlight the issue, explaining how he believes it has affected his game. “First rounds are always very tough for me because now the matches I was winning before maybe 3-3, I cannot do it anymore,” he explained, noting that previously he could close out early matches more comfortably but now often finds himself fighting until the final points. “Every match I play I have to fight. I have to win 7-6 in the third. And sometimes I lose,” he continued, acknowledging that his experience has been unique and different from previous seasons. He admitted that this year has brought more early exits on hard courts than at any other time since at least 2018, signaling a notable shift in his consistency.
Medvedev’s criticisms of the balls go beyond performance. He claims that the variations in the balls themselves have created unpredictability, making it harder to maintain control in rallies. “I don’t want to be the one who is crying when he’s losing the first round,” he said, emphasizing that he’s aware that other players have different preferences. However, he noted that the quality and consistency of the balls have impacted his ability to stay at his highest level. “I made semis in Beijing and quarters in Shanghai. I lost only to Alcaraz and Sinner,” he pointed out, showing that his struggles aren’t limited to just one or two events but seem to recur in particular conditions.
Medvedev illustrated the inconsistency of the balls with a stark comparison: “If you take six balls out of the new balls out of the can, if you look closely and you bounce them, there are going to be six different balls. I don’t think that’s how it’s supposed to be.” According to Medvedev, this disparity makes it harder to control the game, which has not only impacted his performance but, he feels, has led to a lack of confidence that could affect him heading into the ATP Finals in Turin.
Despite these setbacks, Medvedev has secured his spot at the year-end ATP Finals, marking his sixth consecutive appearance at the event. The 2020 champion, however, remains uncertain about his form as he approaches the competition, acknowledging the challenges he faces in Turin due to a lack of confidence. Reflecting on his struggles, Medvedev admitted that the string of recent defeats has hindered his preparations. “Tennis is very important, also confidence,” he admitted. “The problem is that I will arrive in Turin without confidence, so I will try to build it through training and practice time; this is very important to me.”
The ATP Finals in Turin will bring together the top players in the world, meaning Medvedev will face the most competitive field of the year. He’s aware that regaining his rhythm won’t be easy, especially given the physical demands of the tournament. “There I will face the toughest opponents, so besides this, you also have to be in perfect physical condition,” Medvedev stated, highlighting that stamina, skill, and mindset will all be essential to his success in the challenging tournament. “Tennis is the most important of all,” he emphasized, pointing out that he’ll need to focus on his shot-making and mental approach to prevail against the likes of Alcaraz, Sinner, and other elite players.
Medvedev’s form has seen significant challenges throughout 2024, with repeated losses to players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, two rising stars who have quickly become his toughest opponents. His last title came in May 2023, and he has not reached a final since the Indian Wells Masters back in March. For a player who’s accustomed to contending for titles regularly, these recent shortcomings have been difficult to process. Medvedev remains committed to improving his performance, but the ball inconsistencies remain a concern as he prepares for what will undoubtedly be a critical tournament in Turin.
This season has been one of adjustments for Medvedev, who entered 2024 as one of the top players in men’s tennis but has faced unprecedented challenges along the way. His candid remarks about the ball quality reflect his broader frustrations with his current form and the external factors impacting his play. While his complaints may not resonate with all players, they underscore his determination to compete at his best, even if it means speaking out about issues he believes are affecting his game. As he gears up for the ATP Finals, Medvedev’s focus will be on rebuilding his confidence, refining his techniques, and striving to end the season on a high note despite the unique hurdles he has encountered.
In Turin, Medvedev will have a chance to reset and regain his competitive edge. Although he’s entering the tournament with lingering concerns, the ATP Finals offer a clean slate—an opportunity to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite. The upcoming matches will test his resilience, mental fortitude, and adaptability, especially as he faces opponents who have given him trouble throughout the year. For Medvedev, the challenge lies not only in the physical demands of the sport but also in rediscovering the self-assurance that once set him apart as one of tennis’s most formidable players.