It has been a strange season for Daniil Medvedev. Despite failing to win any title, the Russian star made it to the ATP Finals in Turin. However, he entered the tournament on the back of some poor performances over the past few months. As a result, it was always going to be an uphill task for the tall Russian. Further, things went for a toss after his shocking loss against Taylor Fritz in straight sets. Subsequently, Medvedev faced the heat from the fans and was told that his career was finished. Nonetheless, Medvedev responded to the critics in style.

Overcoming his tame loss to Fritz, Medvedev came back strongly to defeat Alex de Minaur in straight sets and keep his semifinal hopes alive in the tournament. After his win earlier today, Medvedev was seen performing a bizarre celebration of shutting his ears with his fingers. Later, during the interview, he explained his ‘block the noise’ celebration which went viral on social media.

He said, “I think a lot of football players do it. If I understand it right it’s more about social media. After my performance with Taylor and some of my comments, I tried to use it less. I went into this match blocking the noise, even from myself. No tantrums. Just block the noise. I really didn’t care what was happening on the court. I just tried to play. It was a good feeling. Usually I celebrate when I win the tournaments, but today I didn’t care.”

Medvedev’s performance today was in stark contrast to his showing against Fritz. The Russian star even caught a frustrated look after his match against Fritz and said, “Unfortunately, nothing comes from my mind, and I expect nothing. I get angry, frustrated. This time completely with myself, not with anyone.” Thus, the win today came as a huge relief for Medvedev, who is looking to end his disappointing campaign on a high.

With Medvedev’s acts over the past few matches, he can be seen struggling with mental health toward the end of the season. Even Carlos Alcaraz seconded Medvedev’s thoughts while throwing light on the hectic season.

Carlos Alcaraz backs the claims of Daniil Medvedev

With every passing year, the tennis season gets more and more compact, with barely any rest for the players. As a result, the grueling calendar can take a toll on players’ mental and physical health, especially the top players who reach the latter stages of the tournaments often. As a result, when Medvedev raised this issue, Carlos Alcaraz was quick to back his fellow player.

The Spaniard said, “I dare to say that everybody is tired mentally. If someone says that he is fresh, he is lying. But some players deal with it better than others. I am tired, I am tired mentally. A lot of matches, a tight schedule, a really demanding year with not too many days off or a period of rest, where you can practice at home.”

Nonetheless, the likes of Medvedev and Alcaraz are fully focused on the task at hand, that is to win the ATP Finals title. While the Russian star will take on Jannik Sinner in his final group stage game, Alcaraz will face Andrey Rublev tomorrow.