Daniil Medvedev is experiencing what many are calling the most challenging season of his professional career since breaking into the ranks of the sport’s elite. Despite his past successes, 2024 has been anything but fruitful for the Russian tennis star. With no titles to his name this season, his hopes of reversing this downward spiral at the Nitto ATP Finals were dashed with a straight-sets loss to Taylor Fritz in his opening match in Turin. Medvedev’s struggles were evident during the match, with the former world No. 1 displaying uncharacteristic nerves and frustration. For a player who once dominated the court with calm precision, the stark contrast has highlighted the extent of his current crisis.
The 2024 season began promisingly for Medvedev, as he advanced to the final of the Australian Open. The opportunity to claim another Grand Slam appeared well within reach until Jannik Sinner turned the tide, snatching victory from him in a tight five-set battle. That loss seems to have had a lasting impact, as Medvedev’s confidence took a significant hit. Since then, he has struggled to regain the level of consistency and dominance that previously made him one of the most formidable players on the tour.
A major concern for Medvedev has been his serve, which used to be a weapon of choice but has become unreliable. This season, he has racked up a troubling number of double faults, which has often turned matches against him. Furthermore, his once-punishing baseline game has softened, failing to unsettle opponents in the same way it once did. Medvedev has attributed part of his struggles to the balls used in tournaments, claiming they favor a different style of play, particularly benefitting players like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Reflecting on his match against Fritz, Medvedev admitted to feeling overwhelmed. “I always fight,” he said in his post-match press conference. “As I said, since a long time, I fight with something that doesn’t depend on myself. I’m a good fighter. I am still No. 4 in the world, might be No. 5 if Taylor plays well here. Still pretty decent. I’m sure a lot of guys would like it. But now, I’m tired of fighting against something that doesn’t depend on myself. I’ll see how it goes. Today actually I had my chances. I’ll have them in the next matches. If it doesn’t work out, I go on holiday. I’m happy.” His candid remarks reflect a weariness not often displayed by top athletes, suggesting a need for reflection and perhaps a reset.
Medvedev also pointed to the tennis balls as a source of his frustration. “The balls make that everyone can [play long rallies] now,” he said. “So not at all surprised. I have this every day, day in, day out, since like two, three years. Every practice is a struggle. Every match is a struggle. I was holding for a long time. Now I feel zero pleasure of being on the court.” His struggle to adapt to changes in equipment and conditions has only amplified his challenges on the court.
During his match against Fritz, Medvedev’s emotions boiled over in a tense second set. After Fritz converted a break point with a fortunate shot, Medvedev hurled his racket onto the court, earning a penalty point and drawing boos from the crowd. Such moments of frustration have become more frequent for the Russian, signaling his deep-seated struggles. While he remains committed to competing, his body language and remarks suggest a need to step away and regroup.
Medvedev’s next challenge is a must-win match against Alex de Minaur. Defeat would end his hopes at the ATP Finals and officially close a season he may want to forget. However, the Russian remains hopeful that better days lie ahead. Looking beyond this tournament, Medvedev knows he must work hard during the off-season to recapture his form and confidence. The upcoming 2025 Australian Open, where he reached the final this year, offers a chance for redemption and a fresh start.
In contrast, Taylor Fritz is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. With his win over Medvedev, the American bolstered his chances of advancing in the Ilie Nastase group. Fritz’s focus and composure were evident, even when faced with Medvedev’s attempts to fight back late in the match. “I was able to grind through some long rallies or get some free points,” Fritz said. “I felt at 5-3 he was going to reset and try as hard as he could to break me. I had to tell myself he’s not going to just be done with the match… I served a great game.” Fritz’s determination and poise have propelled him to new heights this year, including a Grand Slam final appearance at the US Open.
If Fritz continues to perform well at the ATP Finals, he could surpass Medvedev in the ATP rankings, symbolizing a changing of the guard. While Medvedev once believed the absence of the Big Three would open the door to more Grand Slam victories, younger stars like Sinner and Alcaraz have instead emerged to challenge his dominance. For Medvedev, the path forward involves rebuilding both his game and his mindset. Working with his team during the off-season, he will aim to regain his competitive edge and rediscover the joy of playing at the highest level.