Daniil Medvedev didn’t get the kind of season ending he was expecting. While he had a decent run this year, the Russian failed to win any major trophy. Moreover, his stint at the ATP Finals was quite underwhelming, to say the least. After losing to Taylor Fritz in the first match, he tried to make a comeback and beat Alex De Minaur. But Jannik Sinner proved too much for him, handing an elimination to the Russian him. Plus, his own antics on the court didn’t help his cause. However, one former ATP pro has still managed to extract some positives from Medvedev’s campaign in Turin.

In an episode of his Served Podcast, dated November 19th, former American player Andy Roddick presented a different view to Daniil’s on-court behavior lately. He tried to imply that despite not going through a great phase, he’s been able to show his skills as a tactician. Yes, he’s not the fastest in terms of movement, neither can he hit the ball hard, but “his ability to problem-solve, master of ball flight” is commendable as he “doesn’t lose to people that aren’t just more physically gifted than him. So I think I give him the benefit of the doubt of, I don’t view his antics as underachieving, or as a barrier to more production or achievement,” said the former ATP pro.

“So I think that’s level set, and I think something else to do with it is just that he’s incredibly thoughtful and intelligent when given space from his antics,” he said. What Roddick meant to say is that Medvedev’s “not irrational when you give him a little space from the moment, even if he’s completely irrational in the moment.” Meanwhile, Daniil’s complete focus has now shifted on to the next season.

Daniil Medvedev is making some changes for a solid return in 2025

In a media interaction, the Russian player revealed his plans to make adjustments in his schedule. Seems like he found 2024 to be a little hectic. And now he’s looking to just focus on events that matter. “We will try something…” he said. Continuing further, he added, “We’re not sure it’s going to work. We will have a good pre-season, try to see what I can do better from my side. I feel like I’m in a big disadvantage, but I need to do something with it. I can find the way through some matches like Shanghai, Beijing, and US Open. I can fight my way. I can try to find solutions in the match.”

He will surely try to clinch the Australian Open. He mentioned this aspiration on previous occasions as well while reflecting on his not-so-good run in 2024. “I have zero titles. It’s clear I’d like something more. It’s been a year of ups and downs. Some great moments, others a bit worse. But, well, everything adds up, everything is experience,” he said.

For those unaware, he did get a golden chance to win the Australian Open earlier this year. Playing against Jannik Sinner, Daniil had the momentum going for him after the first two sets. Unfortunately, he failed to capitalize on his lead and lost the championship battle to the Fox. The latter eventually reigned supreme with an epic comeback; Sinner won 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 and lifted his first Grand Slam trophy.

It will be interesting to see if Daniil will make it to the final once again in 2025. Do you think he will manage to win the Australian Open this time? Let us know in the comments below.