Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev is making changes for this year’s Australian Open in order to conserve energy and present a new image to the world. He had a disappointing tournament last year, dropping out of the top 10 after a third-round exit. This year, he skipped warm-up tournaments and went straight to Melbourne Park, where he will face a qualifier in the first round.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Medvedev explained, “There is a risk always, but otherwise I would be 35-years-old and I would be like, ‘I actually never spent a New Year at home.’ So I decided this is a year to try.”
He also reflected on his decision, saying, “Last year, after the U.S. Open I felt that mentally and physically I was not what I wanted to be. I decided it’s going to be good thing to try it like this.”
Medvedev lost back-to-back Australian Open finals to Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal in 2021 and 2022, and also lost the U.S. Open final to Djokovic last year, only winning one Grand Slam title from five finals.
Despite these losses, Medvedev is optimistic about his future in tennis. He mentioned, “I think the thing I learned last year is the future is bright no matter what.” He is looking forward to playing better in the Australian Open this year and showing good tennis.
As he prepares for the Australian Open, Medvedev is also looking to mature and present a new image. He said, “I want to mature. I feel like I’ve made a big step these last few months.”
He also hopes to improve his behavior on and off the court, stating, “Even if something happens, I just want to go with who I am, try to do less of the stupid things that don’t help me as a person and tennis player.”
Now ranked world number three, Medvedev is determined to showcase a new version of himself at the upcoming tournament. He said, “Hopefully I can achieve it this season, and we’re going to see a new Daniil Medvedev.”
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Peter Rutherford)
