Daniil Medvedev reveals candid thoughts on reclaiming world No.1 tennis ranking
Daniil Medvedev is showcasing a revitalized performance in the Shanghai Masters, advancing to the semi-finals. The former world No. 1 and Grand Slam champion is gradually returning to his peak form after a challenging season marked by ranking drops. A critical victory against Alexander Zverev recently in the Beijing semi-finals has propelled him forward in the current tournament.
Medvedev’s Journey Back to the Top
The Russian player is poised to move back to world No. 15 as he prepares to face Arthur Rinderknech for a spot in the championship match. Despite his recent resurgence, Medvedev has expressed uncertainty about his ability to “give anything more” to reclaim the coveted No. 1 ranking in the sport.
Achievements and Challenges
- Medvedev won his maiden Grand Slam at the 2021 US Open, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final.
- He reached world No. 1 in 2022, breaking an 18-year dominance by the Big Four.
- He hasn’t claimed a title in over two years and faced early exits at major events this year.
As the 2019 Shanghai Masters champion, Medvedev is battling to regain his peak form but remains cautious about his ability to offer more at this stage. “It’s a tough question because I give everything. I’m not sure I am ready to give anything more for this,” Medvedev admitted.
Challenges and Determination
The No. 16 seed has navigated through intense matches recently. During his fourth-round clash with Learner Tien, Medvedev encountered physical challenges similar to a recent Beijing semi-final clash, where he withdrew in the third set. Despite these hurdles, he secured victory and then triumphed over world No. 7 Alex de Minaur with a 6-4, 6-4 win in the quarter-finals.
Reflecting on his journey, Medvedev shared, “It was a great match. I was serving well in crucial moments. I’m just super happy to be in the semi-finals in Shanghai. I love Shanghai and I’m happy to play good tennis here. It’s not over yet. I will try to do my best in the semis.”
Medvedev’s tenacity and recent form illustrate his determination to conclude the year on a positive note, as he aims to reclaim his prestigious place in the world of tennis.
