Spoiler:
aniil Medvedev will aim to become the 11th player to win multiple Nitto ATP Finals titles when he competes in Turin next week.
The 26-year-old has produced his best tennis at the prestigious year-end event in recent years, soaring to the trophy in 2020 before advancing to the final 12 months ago. Holding a 9-1 record across his past two appearances, Medvedev has proven tough to stop.
Ahead of his latest appearance at the Pala Alpitour, Medvedev spoke to ATPTour.com about his past successes at the Nitto ATP Finals and his road to qualifying this season.
Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev. Photo Credit: Manuel Velasquez/Stringer
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MEDVEDEV MAKES MARK DOWN UNDER
26-year-old reached Aussie Open final
Medvedev ended the 2021 season in style, capturing his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open before he reached the championship match at the Nitto ATP Finals.
With confidence high, the 26-year-old made a fast start in 2022. Medvedev quickly clicked into gear at the Australian Open, sweeping through his opening four matches to set a quarter-final clash against Felix Auger-Aliassime. In one of the clashes of the season, Medvedev saved one match point as he rallied from two-sets-to-love down for just the second time in his career to keep alive his title hopes.
“The match against Felix was crazy,” Medvedev recently told ATPTour.com. “He was better than me and all over me, but I just tried to stay in the match. I managed to win the tie-break in the third [set]. They closed the roof in the tie-break and I think that helped me. [The] fourth set he had a match point and I managed to save it. Last game of the match he has 15/40 on my serve again. Crazy match and crazy memories to win such a match.”
Having survived in five, Medvedev overcame Stefanos Tsitsipas to set a blockbuster final against Rafael Nadal. The 26-year-old, who was competing in his third major title match, looked in control against the Spaniard, soaring into a two-set lead. However, Nadal demonstrated his trademark big-match mentality, turning the tables to earn a thrilling victory.
“The match I lost against Rafa was kind of the same [as against Auger-Aliassime],” Medvedev reflected. “I was up two-sets-to love up, led 0/40 [in the third set]. [The] fifth set he went up and then I broke back for 5-5. I gave myself another chance, but I should have done a few shots a bit differently, but all credit to Rafa. He played an unbelievable match. An amazing level, raising it throughout the match and not getting tired. Tough memories but the match was amazing and I will try to do better next time.”
.
Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev. Photo Credit:
Daniil Medvedev and team
Daniil Medvedev. Photo Credit: Getty Images for ATP
Daniil Medvedev: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
TOP OF THE WORLD
Daniil's No. 1 destiny becomes reality
After a standout 12 months, Medvedev made history in February when he became the 27th player to rise to World No. 1 in the history of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings (since 1973).
The 26-year-old’s climb to the top of tennis’ mountain had been steady. He first reached the Top 100 in November 2016, the Top 50 in July 2017, the Top 20 in October 2018 and the Top 10 in July 2019. Medvedev’s childhood dream of rising to No. 1 was completed when then-World No. 1 Novak Djokovic lost to Jiri Vesley in Dubai, with the Serbian ceding top spot as a result.
Medvedev rapidly gathered points in the preceding year, winning four titles in 2021, including one ATP Masters 1000 crown and the US Open. He became the first player outside the ‘Big Four’ of Djokovic, Roger Federer, Nadal and Andy Murray to hold the top spot in 18 years, three weeks and six days.
“It is great because it is something nobody can take away from me,” Medvedev said. “It is just there. We can talk about this and that, but I was No. 1 for quite a lot of weeks. I had quite a few points at that time because I had US Open, Masters, Masters final and Nitto ATP Finals. It is something really tough to handle and you have to prove it week by week by winning tournaments.”
Medvedev held top spot for 16 weeks across two different spells in 2022, with Novak Djokovic and then Carlos Alcaraz replacing him.
Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev: Thomas Kronsteiner/Getty Images
Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev. Photo Credit: Manuel Velasquez/Stringer
Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev. Photo Credit: Thomas F. Starke/Stringer
TITLE TRIUMPHS
Medvedev lifted trophies in Los Cabos & Vienna
In a consistent season, Medvedev captured tour-level titles in Los Cabos and Vienna. The four-time ATP Masters 1000 champion did not drop a set all week at the ATP 250 event in Mexico, defeating Cameron Norrie in the championship match to clinch his first crown since the 2021 US Open.
“Every match was very good, but the final is always special,” Medvedev said in his on-court interview. “In the final, you play the best player of this week, so it’s always a high-level match and I’m really happy that I managed to show some good level, some good shots in such an important match."
He then lifted his second trophy of the year in October when he moved past Denis Shapovalov at the ATP 500 event in Vienna. Medvedev, who was making his second appearance in Austria, looked back to his very best at the indoor hard-court tournament, not dropping his serve until the final. With his title run, the 26-year-old also secured his spot at the Nitto ATP Finals.
“I am really happy,” Medvedev said after the final. “This match was the best of the week because Denis was playing unreal until probably 4-3 in the second set. This is one of the best victories when you know your opponent is on top of you, but you try and stay there and do what you can.”
CLASS ON GRASS
World No. 5 reached two finals on surface in 2022
Medvedev broke new ground on grass in 2021 when he captured his first tour-level title on the surface in Mallorca. The 26-year-old backed up that showing on the European lawns this summer, reaching consecutive championship matches in ‘s-Hertogenbosch and Halle.
Medvedev, who went 8-3 on grass this year, was pleased with the progress.
“It is not that easy for me to play on grass but I think it is not easy for anybody,” Medvedev said. “Some matches you are going to lose or win 7-6, 7-6 with one break point each. It is tough mentally. You have to be at your best mentally in order to play well on grass. This year I managed to make two finals, but I was weaker than my opponents in the finals. I have to be better next time but it is great to know I can push more and more on grass.”
Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
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CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS
Medvedev clinched Nitto ATP Finals crown in 2020
Medvedev arrives at the Nitto ATP Finals holding special memories at the event, having soared to the title in London in 2020. In his second appearance at the prestigious year-end tournament, the World No. 5 defeated Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem in the final to become the first player to sweep the top three players in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings at the season finale. The 26-year-old, who triumphed at the Rolex Paris Masters two weeks prior, played lights-out tennis throughout the round-robin stage, going 3-0 at the O2 Arena.
“It was amazing because the year itself was strange with Covid. We didn’t play for a long time. Then coming into Paris-Bercy I was feeling horrible,” said Medvedev, who held an 18-10 record on the year before the final ATP Masters 1000 of the season. “I was not at all confident, having a really tough time on court. But I managed to bring my game in Bercy and to back it up with Nitto was [great].”
Medvedev entered his semi-final clash against Nadal trailing the Spaniard 0-3 in their ATP Head2Head series. However, the 26-year-old would not be denied, overcoming Nadal in a hard-fought clash to reach the final before he defeated Dominic Thiem in three sets to capture the biggest title of his career at the time.
“I played against Rafa, who was serving for the match against me and Dominic was better than me at the beginning of the match. He had break points at 3-3 [in the second set] and I managed to raise my level and play one of my best levels on Tour to beat him,” Medvedev said. “It was an unbelievable memory and to win the Nitto ATP Finals was huge.”
Medvedev performed impressively in Turin last year, defeating Hubert Hurkacz, Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner to top Red Group. He then overcame Casper Ruud in the semi-finals, before Zverev ended his hopes of capturing consecutive Nitto ATP Finals titles in the championship match.
TURIN READY
Medvedev eager for deep run
When it comes to playing indoors, there are few players better than Medvedev. The 2021 US Open champion has captured seven tour-level titles in indoor arenas and has impressed when competing under the roof at the Nitto ATP Finals, holding a 9-1 record across his past two appearances.
With his impenetrable defence, the 26-year-old feels the Turin conditions suit him as he prepares for another deep run.
“Indoor hard courts are something I like,” Medvedev said. “I have seven titles on indoor hard courts, which is pretty good. It helps to play well in Paris as IT helps your confidence and I have managed to do that twice and then back it up with a good result at the Nitto ATP Finals. I generally like the conditions there, so hopefully I will like it my whole career.”
Medvedev suffered a disappointing opening-round exit at the Rolex Paris Masters last week. Despite the setback, the 26-year-old is feeling fit and confident ahead of Turin.
“I try throughout the season to keep my mind fresh as much as I can,” Medvedev said. “Everyone at the end of the season is a little bit exhausted and that is normal. But I am trying with my team to do the best I can to keep myself fit physically and mentally. So far, we have been doing a good job as I have been able to play well at the end of the season.”
The 26-year-old has produced his best tennis at the prestigious year-end event in recent years, soaring to the trophy in 2020 before advancing to the final 12 months ago. Holding a 9-1 record across his past two appearances, Medvedev has proven tough to stop.
Ahead of his latest appearance at the Pala Alpitour, Medvedev spoke to ATPTour.com about his past successes at the Nitto ATP Finals and his road to qualifying this season.
Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev. Photo Credit: Manuel Velasquez/Stringer
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MEDVEDEV MAKES MARK DOWN UNDER
26-year-old reached Aussie Open final
Medvedev ended the 2021 season in style, capturing his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open before he reached the championship match at the Nitto ATP Finals.
With confidence high, the 26-year-old made a fast start in 2022. Medvedev quickly clicked into gear at the Australian Open, sweeping through his opening four matches to set a quarter-final clash against Felix Auger-Aliassime. In one of the clashes of the season, Medvedev saved one match point as he rallied from two-sets-to-love down for just the second time in his career to keep alive his title hopes.
“The match against Felix was crazy,” Medvedev recently told ATPTour.com. “He was better than me and all over me, but I just tried to stay in the match. I managed to win the tie-break in the third [set]. They closed the roof in the tie-break and I think that helped me. [The] fourth set he had a match point and I managed to save it. Last game of the match he has 15/40 on my serve again. Crazy match and crazy memories to win such a match.”
Having survived in five, Medvedev overcame Stefanos Tsitsipas to set a blockbuster final against Rafael Nadal. The 26-year-old, who was competing in his third major title match, looked in control against the Spaniard, soaring into a two-set lead. However, Nadal demonstrated his trademark big-match mentality, turning the tables to earn a thrilling victory.
“The match I lost against Rafa was kind of the same [as against Auger-Aliassime],” Medvedev reflected. “I was up two-sets-to love up, led 0/40 [in the third set]. [The] fifth set he went up and then I broke back for 5-5. I gave myself another chance, but I should have done a few shots a bit differently, but all credit to Rafa. He played an unbelievable match. An amazing level, raising it throughout the match and not getting tired. Tough memories but the match was amazing and I will try to do better next time.”
.
Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev. Photo Credit:
Daniil Medvedev and team
Daniil Medvedev. Photo Credit: Getty Images for ATP
Daniil Medvedev: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
TOP OF THE WORLD
Daniil's No. 1 destiny becomes reality
After a standout 12 months, Medvedev made history in February when he became the 27th player to rise to World No. 1 in the history of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings (since 1973).
The 26-year-old’s climb to the top of tennis’ mountain had been steady. He first reached the Top 100 in November 2016, the Top 50 in July 2017, the Top 20 in October 2018 and the Top 10 in July 2019. Medvedev’s childhood dream of rising to No. 1 was completed when then-World No. 1 Novak Djokovic lost to Jiri Vesley in Dubai, with the Serbian ceding top spot as a result.
Medvedev rapidly gathered points in the preceding year, winning four titles in 2021, including one ATP Masters 1000 crown and the US Open. He became the first player outside the ‘Big Four’ of Djokovic, Roger Federer, Nadal and Andy Murray to hold the top spot in 18 years, three weeks and six days.
“It is great because it is something nobody can take away from me,” Medvedev said. “It is just there. We can talk about this and that, but I was No. 1 for quite a lot of weeks. I had quite a few points at that time because I had US Open, Masters, Masters final and Nitto ATP Finals. It is something really tough to handle and you have to prove it week by week by winning tournaments.”
Medvedev held top spot for 16 weeks across two different spells in 2022, with Novak Djokovic and then Carlos Alcaraz replacing him.
Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev: Thomas Kronsteiner/Getty Images
Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev. Photo Credit: Manuel Velasquez/Stringer
Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev. Photo Credit: Thomas F. Starke/Stringer
TITLE TRIUMPHS
Medvedev lifted trophies in Los Cabos & Vienna
In a consistent season, Medvedev captured tour-level titles in Los Cabos and Vienna. The four-time ATP Masters 1000 champion did not drop a set all week at the ATP 250 event in Mexico, defeating Cameron Norrie in the championship match to clinch his first crown since the 2021 US Open.
“Every match was very good, but the final is always special,” Medvedev said in his on-court interview. “In the final, you play the best player of this week, so it’s always a high-level match and I’m really happy that I managed to show some good level, some good shots in such an important match."
He then lifted his second trophy of the year in October when he moved past Denis Shapovalov at the ATP 500 event in Vienna. Medvedev, who was making his second appearance in Austria, looked back to his very best at the indoor hard-court tournament, not dropping his serve until the final. With his title run, the 26-year-old also secured his spot at the Nitto ATP Finals.
“I am really happy,” Medvedev said after the final. “This match was the best of the week because Denis was playing unreal until probably 4-3 in the second set. This is one of the best victories when you know your opponent is on top of you, but you try and stay there and do what you can.”
CLASS ON GRASS
World No. 5 reached two finals on surface in 2022
Medvedev broke new ground on grass in 2021 when he captured his first tour-level title on the surface in Mallorca. The 26-year-old backed up that showing on the European lawns this summer, reaching consecutive championship matches in ‘s-Hertogenbosch and Halle.
Medvedev, who went 8-3 on grass this year, was pleased with the progress.
“It is not that easy for me to play on grass but I think it is not easy for anybody,” Medvedev said. “Some matches you are going to lose or win 7-6, 7-6 with one break point each. It is tough mentally. You have to be at your best mentally in order to play well on grass. This year I managed to make two finals, but I was weaker than my opponents in the finals. I have to be better next time but it is great to know I can push more and more on grass.”
Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
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CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS
Medvedev clinched Nitto ATP Finals crown in 2020
Medvedev arrives at the Nitto ATP Finals holding special memories at the event, having soared to the title in London in 2020. In his second appearance at the prestigious year-end tournament, the World No. 5 defeated Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem in the final to become the first player to sweep the top three players in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings at the season finale. The 26-year-old, who triumphed at the Rolex Paris Masters two weeks prior, played lights-out tennis throughout the round-robin stage, going 3-0 at the O2 Arena.
“It was amazing because the year itself was strange with Covid. We didn’t play for a long time. Then coming into Paris-Bercy I was feeling horrible,” said Medvedev, who held an 18-10 record on the year before the final ATP Masters 1000 of the season. “I was not at all confident, having a really tough time on court. But I managed to bring my game in Bercy and to back it up with Nitto was [great].”
Medvedev entered his semi-final clash against Nadal trailing the Spaniard 0-3 in their ATP Head2Head series. However, the 26-year-old would not be denied, overcoming Nadal in a hard-fought clash to reach the final before he defeated Dominic Thiem in three sets to capture the biggest title of his career at the time.
“I played against Rafa, who was serving for the match against me and Dominic was better than me at the beginning of the match. He had break points at 3-3 [in the second set] and I managed to raise my level and play one of my best levels on Tour to beat him,” Medvedev said. “It was an unbelievable memory and to win the Nitto ATP Finals was huge.”
Medvedev performed impressively in Turin last year, defeating Hubert Hurkacz, Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner to top Red Group. He then overcame Casper Ruud in the semi-finals, before Zverev ended his hopes of capturing consecutive Nitto ATP Finals titles in the championship match.
TURIN READY
Medvedev eager for deep run
When it comes to playing indoors, there are few players better than Medvedev. The 2021 US Open champion has captured seven tour-level titles in indoor arenas and has impressed when competing under the roof at the Nitto ATP Finals, holding a 9-1 record across his past two appearances.
With his impenetrable defence, the 26-year-old feels the Turin conditions suit him as he prepares for another deep run.
“Indoor hard courts are something I like,” Medvedev said. “I have seven titles on indoor hard courts, which is pretty good. It helps to play well in Paris as IT helps your confidence and I have managed to do that twice and then back it up with a good result at the Nitto ATP Finals. I generally like the conditions there, so hopefully I will like it my whole career.”
Medvedev suffered a disappointing opening-round exit at the Rolex Paris Masters last week. Despite the setback, the 26-year-old is feeling fit and confident ahead of Turin.
“I try throughout the season to keep my mind fresh as much as I can,” Medvedev said. “Everyone at the end of the season is a little bit exhausted and that is normal. But I am trying with my team to do the best I can to keep myself fit physically and mentally. So far, we have been doing a good job as I have been able to play well at the end of the season.”
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