In the often-stoic world of professional tennis, few players inject as much raw emotion and unfiltered commentary as Russia`s Daniil Medvedev. Following a hard-fought victory at the Shanghai Masters, Medvedev offered a candid look into his evolving game, the dynamic with his new coach, and the signature on-court intensity that defines his formidable presence.
A “Mirror” Match and the Left-Handed Conundrum
Medvedev`s path through the Shanghai draw presented a unique challenge in the form of American qualifier Learner Tien. The match, which Medvedev ultimately won 7/6(6), 6/7(1), 6/4, was described by the former world No. 1 as an almost uncanny reflection of his own style, with a crucial caveat.
“There`s probably something to that, however, his serve is worse than mine,” Medvedev stated post-match, dissecting his opponent`s game with characteristic precision. He elaborated on the strategic intricacies: “If he were right-handed and played this kind of tennis, it would be easier for me. But since he is a lefty, he puts me in uncomfortable positions.” This analytical observation reveals a layer beneath Medvedev`s often fiery exterior, showcasing his deep understanding of match dynamics.
The Thomas Johansson Dynamic: Decoding the Outbursts
A significant talking point surrounding Medvedev`s season has been the integration of his new coach, former Grand Slam champion Thomas Johansson. Medvedev`s expressive on-court behavior, replete with animated gestures and vocal frustrations, is hardly a secret. The query regarding Johansson`s acclimatization to these displays was met with a wry smile and an intriguing explanation.
“Let`s see,” he responded, his lips curling into a grin. “I didn`t insult anyone, and I think he understands everything because he trained completely different players in the women`s tour with different temperaments. Some had very strong temperaments.”
Medvedev`s self-awareness came to the fore as he playfully contrasted himself with a well-known figure of composure on the tour. “This is, of course, not David Goffin,” he quipped with a laugh, underscoring the stark difference in their emotional expression. “But all others could say something, because he himself was a player and understands everything. It was not against him. I just didn`t know what to do.” This insightful commentary clarifies that his emotional releases are typically directed inward, a battle against his own frustration, rather than an indictment of his support team. Johansson, having navigated a diverse array of personalities, appears to possess the requisite understanding.
Beyond Mental Roadblocks: A Pragmatic Blueprint for Ascent
The initial phase of Medvedev`s season was notably inconsistent, prompting questions about his mental fortitude. He himself had previously acknowledged that his “brain wasn`t allowing him to win.” Now, however, a more pragmatic and forward-looking narrative appears to be taking hold.
“This is the beauty of tennis, that you don`t know for sure,” he mused, deliberately avoiding the temptation to catalog potential excuses for his earlier struggles. “I could name 10 things why everything is like this this season, but I won`t. I could really come up with 10. It`s like excuses. But the fact is – what is, is.”
This refreshingly direct approach underscores a commitment to tangible improvement over retrospective analysis. Medvedev highlighted a period of intense training in Monaco, where he felt he was playing at an “unreal” level, surpassing his recent match performances. The ongoing challenge, he recognizes, lies in consistently translating that high-level practice into match-day triumphs.
A Gradual Ascent: The Path to Reclaiming the Zenith
With his recent Shanghai victory and a palpable surge in confidence, Medvedev harbors a cautious yet determined optimism for his future trajectory. “I`m just glad that I started winning with the new team,” he affirmed. “I`m glad that with each match I`m playing better and better. This is the most important thing. Next season, one can hope for the best.”
His immediate ambition is clearly articulated: “If I continue to play like I did in training in Monaco and now, I will be able to return to the top 10 for a start, and then – even higher. Everything is gradual.” It is a declaration of intent, a commitment to a methodical climb back to the apex of men`s tennis, all while maintaining the unique and undeniably compelling persona that makes Daniil Medvedev one of the sport`s most intriguing figures.
Marcus Blakely