Daniil Medvedev, currently ranked World No. 5, is set to make his sixth consecutive appearance at the **ATP Finals**. The Russian, who won the prestigious year-end championship in 2020, joins a lineup that includes top contenders like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Alexander Zverev. Despite not capturing a title in 2024, Medvedev’s consistent performances have earned him another shot at the ATP Finals, which will take place at the Inalpi Arena in Turin from November 10 to 17. As he approaches the season’s climax, Medvedev will be hoping to cap off his year with a much-needed victory.
### **A Strong Start, But No Titles Yet**
Medvedev’s 2024 campaign has been characterized by near-misses and deep runs in major tournaments, but no trophies to show for it. With a solid 45-18 record for the year, Medvedev has made it to two significant finals, yet victory has eluded him. The Russian’s season began with a strong performance at the **Australian Open**, where he reached his sixth career Grand Slam final. In a dramatic match against Jannik Sinner, Medvedev took a commanding two-set lead but eventually succumbed to the Italian in a five-set thriller, losing 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3. The nearly four-hour contest highlighted Medvedev’s strengths as well as areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining focus in high-pressure situations.
The defeat was reminiscent of previous struggles, as Medvedev has now lost five out of six Grand Slam finals, a record he is keen to improve. In that Australian Open match, Sinner’s aggressive play proved too much for Medvedev, who was unable to close out the match despite having the upper hand early on. Sinner hit 50 winners compared to Medvedev’s more conservative play, a pattern that has occasionally hindered the Russian’s success in crucial moments.
### **Indian Wells and Miami: Near-Misses in the Sunshine Swing**
Medvedev’s quest for a 2024 title continued at the **Indian Wells Masters**, where he reached his second final of the year. Once again, he faced a familiar foe—Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard edged out Medvedev in straight sets, 7-6, 6-1, in a match that saw Alcaraz dominate the second set after a tight first-set tiebreak. Medvedev had his opportunities, including two break points early in the match, but Alcaraz’s power and precision proved too much. Alcaraz’s aggressive play was underscored by a 24-winner performance, compared to Medvedev’s more defensive 11-winner display.
In Miami, Medvedev’s hopes were dashed in the semi-finals by Jannik Sinner, who handed him a one-sided 6-1, 6-2 loss. The Italian was nearly flawless, saving all three break points he faced while breaking Medvedev’s serve four times. Sinner’s dominance highlighted a growing rivalry, as he continues to be one of the few players capable of consistently outplaying Medvedev on hard courts.
### **The Clay and Grass Seasons: Challenges and Milestones**
The transition to the clay season was not easy for Medvedev, who has historically found the slower surface challenging. Nevertheless, he managed to secure nine wins across the four major clay tournaments, reaching the quarter-finals at the **Madrid Masters**. However, it was during the grass season that Medvedev showed his potential again, advancing to the semi-finals at **Wimbledon**. In the quarter-finals, he survived a grueling five-set encounter against Jannik Sinner, rallying after saving a set point in the third set. The victory set up a semi-final clash with Carlos Alcaraz, who ultimately triumphed 6-7, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. Alcaraz’s performance exposed Medvedev’s vulnerabilities, particularly on faster grass courts where quick decision-making and adaptability are crucial.
Following Wimbledon, Medvedev’s struggles continued with a disappointing loss to Felix Auger-Aliassime at the **Olympic Games in Paris**, followed by early exits at the Canadian and Cincinnati hard-court tournaments—events where he usually excels.
### **Late Season Hard Courts: Moments of Brilliance Amid Inconsistency**
As the tour moved to the American hard-court swing, Medvedev showed flashes of his best form at the **US Open**. He fought his way to the quarter-finals, only to be halted by Jannik Sinner once again. The Italian proved his mettle by breaking Medvedev five times and saving six of the eight break points he faced, showcasing the kind of resilience that has made him a top contender this year.
Medvedev’s form remained inconsistent at the **Laver Cup**, where he lost both of his matches, but he found some rhythm in Asia. He advanced to the semi-finals in Beijing, where he faced Alcaraz yet again. The Spaniard continued his dominance, defeating Medvedev 7-5, 6-3 in a closely contested match. Alcaraz’s aggressive baseline play and quick transitions forced Medvedev into a defensive posture, a scenario that has become familiar in their recent encounters.
In Shanghai, Medvedev’s campaign was cut short in the quarter-finals by Jannik Sinner, who secured a 6-1, 6-4 win. Medvedev, struggling with a shoulder injury, was unable to produce his best tennis. Sinner capitalized, maintaining strong service games and applying pressure on Medvedev’s vulnerable second serve. The match demonstrated Sinner’s growing confidence on hard courts, and Medvedev’s physical struggles seemed to undermine his otherwise solid baseline game.
### **Preparing for the ATP Finals: What’s Next for Medvedev?**
With a shoulder injury forcing him to withdraw from the **Vienna Open**, Medvedev’s focus is now squarely on the upcoming Paris Masters and the ATP Finals. His recent indoor hard-court performances have been mixed, leaving questions about his readiness to challenge the likes of Sinner, Alcaraz, and Zverev in Turin. Nevertheless, Medvedev has a proven track record in indoor tournaments, and his powerful baseline game and defensive skills make him a formidable opponent when he’s at his best.
Despite a lack of titles in 2024, Medvedev’s consistent deep runs have earned him enough points to qualify comfortably for the ATP Finals. If he can find his best form in the final stretch of the season, he could be a dark horse in Turin, where his experience and past success may come into play.
### **A Challenging Year, But Far From Over**
Medvedev’s 2024 season has been a rollercoaster, filled with highs and lows, injuries, and hard-fought battles. Though he has yet to win a title, his ability to consistently compete at the highest level is a testament to his resilience. With the **Paris Masters** and the **ATP Finals** still on the horizon, the Russian star has a chance to salvage his season and perhaps clinch the title he’s been seeking all year.
The road to Turin has been anything but easy, but if there’s one thing Medvedev has proven throughout his career, it’s that he thrives when the stakes are highest. As he prepares for the final tournaments of the year, tennis fans will be watching closely to see if he can finally turn a season of close calls into one of triumph.