Daniil Medvedev has had to endure the same defeat in the 2024 Australian Open final against Jannik Sinner that he suffered against Rafael Nadal two years earlier also in Melbourne. The Russian had a two-set lead against the Italian, but eventually the accumulated fatigue got the better of him, and Sinner took the first Grand Slam of his career 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3.
However, in remarks during the trophy ceremony, Medvedev showed his always likeable personality despite the tough defeat to congratulate Sinner for what he achieved during a night that the Italian will remember all his life.
“Thank you guys. First I want to congratulate Jannik. Today you showed why you deserve it. You fought til the end. You and your team are doing an amazing job. You’re winning a lot of tournaments, playing a lot of finals, winning a lot of matches. Probably it’s not your last grand slam. But I hope I can try to get the next one if we play in the final. Because it’s been 3 finals in a row. I’ll try my best to do better next time. Big congrats. You deserve it.”
Medvedev ended his remarks by drawing laughter from the audience with a reference to his wife and daughter: “I don’t know if they turned off the tv, but Dasha, Alisa, if you’re watching, it felt like you were there with me. Unfortunately I couldn’t make it today. But I’m gonna try to make it work next time for you.”
Medvedev after losing to Sinner in Australian Open Final:
“Thank you guys. First I want to congratulate Jannik. Today you showed why you deserve it. You fought til the end. You and your team are doing an amazing job. You’re winning a lot of tournaments, playing a lot of finals,… pic.twitter.com/tiCMTEhFzg
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 28, 2024