“I Don’t Say No.1”: When Daniil Medvedev Expressed His Desire to be a Top 10 Player

Recently, world No.2 Daniil Medvedev conquered over the maestro Novak Djokovic at the finals of US Open 2021. The Russian claimed his first grand slam title despite playing in 3 major finals. Medvedev, five years ago, aspired to just be in the top ten rankings, now he has a grand slam under his belt.

The Russian was around 250 in the world rankings five years ago, when he talked about his aspirations. Medvedev never expected to be close to world number one, but he has been the world number two since March 15, 2021.

Daniil Medvedev’s five years ago interview

Five years ago, Medvedev said in an interview “this year let’s say, if I play all the grand slam qualies for e.g. and maybe get to majors, would be perfect for me.” He jokingly added, “In the future, to be top 10 something like this. I don’t say number one, but top 10 would be great.

The Russian desired to get his name registered in the top ten, but he never expected he’d be so close to world number one. Medvedev stated that being the #1 player in the world would be the most unbelievable thing in his life.

Daniil Medvedev claimed his maiden Grand Slam victory

At the US Open 2021, Daniil Medvedev utterly dominated against the 20 times grand slam champion, Novak Djokovic. Medvedev vanquished Djokovic in straight sets 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to achieve his first grand slam major. Daniil Medvedev became the first Russian man to win the US Open since Marat Safin won it in 2000.

Medvedev had only dropped one set in the quarter-finals against Zandschulp on his way to the grand slam title. Throughout the competition, he had completely crushed his opponents, including the world number one.

Medvedev avenged his humiliation at the Australian Open earlier this year by defeating Djokovic in straight sets. Although the head-to-head difference has narrowed, Djokovic still has a 5-4 cushion.

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