Daniil Medvedev, known for his consistency and tactical brilliance, faced a humbling defeat at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia against World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. This wasn’t the first time Medvedev had faced off against the Italian star, but this encounter proved to be one of the most decisive losses he has experienced in recent times. In just 68 minutes, Medvedev succumbed to a 0-6, 3-6 defeat, unable to find answers to Sinner’s exceptional level of play that day.
What made this loss particularly striking was not just the scoreline, but Medvedev’s comments following the match. The Russian, who has been one of the top competitors on the ATP Tour for several years, offered Sinner high praise, acknowledging that he had never faced anyone who played at such a high level as Sinner did during their match in Riyadh. “I’ve never played anyone who played like Jannik today,” Medvedev admitted, marking a shift in his perspective on the Italian’s abilities compared to his other frequent opponent, Carlos Alcaraz.
The rivalry between Medvedev, Sinner, and Alcaraz has become one of the most captivating stories in men’s tennis over the past few seasons. All three players are relatively young, with their own unique styles, and are frequently seen battling it out in the latter stages of major tournaments. For a long time, Medvedev had considered Alcaraz to be the more dangerous of the two when the Spaniard was at his peak. Alcaraz’s explosive athleticism and flair for the spectacular made him a formidable opponent, and Medvedev had often struggled against him. In fact, Medvedev had faced Alcaraz eight times before, managing to win only twice, with his most recent encounters ending in defeat.
But following his latest match against Sinner, Medvedev seemed to revise his stance. “Usually when we compare Carlos to Jannik, I would think of Jannik as more consistent, more like a machine, and Carlos a bit more up and down with the flair,” Medvedev explained. He had previously viewed Sinner as the more stable player, one who could wear down opponents with relentless consistency, whereas Alcaraz’s game had more highs and lows, but a higher ceiling when at his best. “But today I changed my opinion. I have never played someone who played like Jannik today,” Medvedev admitted, underscoring the extraordinary level Sinner had reached during their match.
Sinner’s performance against Medvedev was nothing short of clinical. Every aspect of his game seemed to click into place, leaving Medvedev struggling to keep up. “If it wasn’t an ace, the ball was coming back,” Medvedev said, describing how relentless Sinner’s game had been. The pressure was unyielding, forcing Medvedev into mistakes that he normally wouldn’t make. “I missed some easy shots because at the beginning of the match, I was not missing them, but I was receiving passing shots,” he explained, illustrating how Sinner’s excellence gradually eroded his confidence. “You have this ball, and you know you have to go for more, and you start to doubt yourself and panic, and you miss.”
Medvedev, who prides himself on his mental fortitude and problem-solving ability on court, found himself in an unfamiliar position—feeling as though he was playing well but still being completely outclassed. “It was a tough feeling on the court because I was feeling good, fighting good, my tennis was not so bad, and I lost easily. I don’t remember the last time that happened to me,” Medvedev confessed, a rare admission from a player known for his resilience.
This latest defeat against Sinner has added a new layer to Medvedev’s understanding of the rivalry between the top players. His head-to-head records against both Alcaraz and Sinner reflect the intense competition at the top of the men’s game. Medvedev has faced Alcaraz eight times, winning just two of those encounters, and his struggles against the Spaniard in recent matches have been well-documented. Alcaraz has won their last four meetings, showcasing his dominance in that particular rivalry.
On the other hand, Medvedev’s history with Sinner has been more complex. Early on, Medvedev had the upper hand in their rivalry, winning their first six encounters. However, the tide has turned dramatically over the past year. Sinner has leveled the head-to-head record at seven wins apiece, a testament to the Italian’s rapid improvement and growing confidence. Their most recent match at the Shanghai Masters in October 2023 saw Sinner claim victory in another convincing performance, further solidifying his place at the top of the tennis world.
Sinner’s rise to World No. 1 has been the result of consistent hard work, a powerful all-court game, and a mental toughness that has allowed him to outlast even the toughest opponents. His ability to dominate Medvedev, a player known for his tactical acumen and defensive prowess, speaks volumes about how far Sinner has come. Medvedev’s praise for Sinner following their match in Riyadh wasn’t just a reflection of one good performance—it was an acknowledgment that Sinner has reached a level of play that few can match.
As Medvedev, Sinner, and Alcaraz continue to battle for supremacy on the ATP Tour, it’s clear that the landscape of men’s tennis is undergoing a significant shift. The dominance of the Big Three—Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic—may be waning, but the next generation of stars is already stepping up to fill the void. Medvedev’s respect for Sinner’s game, and his acknowledgment that the Italian may have surpassed even Alcaraz in certain areas, signals that the competition at the top will only intensify in the coming years. For now, though, Jannik Sinner has firmly established himself as one of the most dangerous players on the planet, and Medvedev knows better than anyone just how tough it is to compete against him at his best.