Russia’s tennis star Daniil Medvedev has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Vienna Open, an ATP 500 event that is set to take place from October 21-24, 2024. The tournament, held annually in the Austrian capital, typically attracts a competitive field of top men’s tennis players. The event is a key stop in the calendar, offering valuable ranking points and prize money as players prepare for the year-end ATP Finals. However, Medvedev, who was last year’s runner-up, will not be part of this year’s competition, marking a significant absence from the tournament.
While the exact reason for Medvedev’s decision to pull out has not been explicitly confirmed, there is widespread speculation that it may be linked to the shoulder injury he sustained during his run at the Shanghai Masters earlier this month. Medvedev, currently ranked world No. 5, was defeated in the quarterfinals of that event by Italy’s Jannik Sinner, the current world No. 1. The match ended in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-4, and it was after this defeat that Medvedev first hinted at the shoulder discomfort that may now be keeping him sidelined.
In his post-match comments after the loss to Sinner in Shanghai, Medvedev acknowledged that he had begun experiencing shoulder pain the previous day, during one of his matches. “It started yesterday during the match,” Medvedev said at the time. “But I thought it was nothing, and I still think, well, I still hope it’s nothing serious, but I’ll have to do the checks tomorrow.” Despite his optimism that the injury was minor, Medvedev hinted that it could impact his participation in future tournaments. “Let’s see if I play them, especially with the problems with the shoulder,” he added.
This cautious approach seems to have carried over to his decision to withdraw from the Vienna Open, though it has not yet been officially confirmed if the shoulder injury is indeed the main reason for his absence. The nature of tennis injuries, especially to critical areas like the shoulder, often requires careful management to avoid long-term damage, and Medvedev may be prioritizing recovery to ensure he is fit for upcoming events, including the Paris Masters and possibly the ATP Finals in Turin.
Interestingly, despite his ongoing shoulder issue, Medvedev participated in the lucrative Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, shortly after his loss in Shanghai. In that high-profile event, Medvedev played only one match—again facing Jannik Sinner, to whom he lost in straight sets, 6-0, 6-3. While the match did not go his way, Medvedev still walked away with a substantial $1.5 million payout, raising questions among fans and commentators about the decision to play an exhibition match while potentially nursing an injury. The decision to compete in Riyadh could indicate that Medvedev’s shoulder injury, while bothersome, may not be severe enough to completely sideline him, but that does not mean he is in top competitive shape.
Medvedev’s form in 2024 has been a point of discussion throughout the year. Statistically, his season has been solid: he has won 45 out of 61 matches, suffering just 16 defeats. Yet despite those respectable numbers, Medvedev has not managed to capture a single title this season, a stark contrast to his previous years of dominance, where he has been a consistent force in the ATP’s top tier. His most notable performance of 2024 came in January at the Australian Open, where he reached the final but ultimately lost to Sinner in a grueling five-set thriller. Medvedev was ahead after the first two sets, but Sinner staged an impressive comeback, eventually winning the match 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3. That loss, while heartbreaking for Medvedev, demonstrated the Russian’s ability to compete at the highest level, though he has struggled to replicate that form consistently throughout the season.
Injury struggles have likely played a significant role in Medvedev’s inability to secure a title in 2024. His physical issues, combined with the growing strength of his competitors—particularly Jannik Sinner, who has established himself as a dominant force this year—have made it a challenging season for the Moscow-born star. Medvedev’s game relies heavily on his physical endurance and his ability to grind down opponents with his powerful baseline game and exceptional defensive skills. Any injury, particularly to the shoulder, could significantly disrupt his playing style and diminish his effectiveness on the court.
As Medvedev looks to the final stretch of the season, his decision to withdraw from the Vienna Open could be a strategic one, aimed at ensuring he is fully recovered in time for the year’s remaining major events. With the Paris Masters just around the corner and the ATP Finals following shortly after, Medvedev will undoubtedly want to be in peak condition for those prestigious tournaments. Additionally, securing his place in the ATP Finals and competing at a high level in Turin could help Medvedev end the season on a high note, despite his title drought in 2024.
In the meantime, tennis fans will be keeping a close eye on Medvedev’s health updates and his potential participation in upcoming events. For now, his absence in Vienna is a disappointment for fans of the sport, but it may ultimately be a wise decision for the long-term prospects of the former world No. 1. As one of the most talented and resilient players on tour, Medvedev will undoubtedly be eager to return to full strength and once again challenge for the sport’s biggest titles in 2025.