USA Today via Reuters
Sep 12, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; (L-R) Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Daniil Medvedev of Russia celebrate with the finalist and championship trophies, respectively, after their match in the men’s singles final on day fourteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 12, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; (L-R) Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Daniil Medvedev of Russia celebrate with the finalist and championship trophies, respectively, after their match in the men’s singles final on day fourteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
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
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USA Today via Reuters
Sep 10, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Daniil Medvedev of Russia reacts after winning a point against Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada (not pictured) on day twelve of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
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.
Medvedev's interview 5 years ago. He was around 250 in the rankings at that time, targeting for top 10 in the future, but he was not thinking No.1 though.
However, he's being closer to No.1 right now with GS title.#daniilmedvedev
@tennisaddictofficial on instagram. pic.twitter.com/dNzUwJERXx— Mia (@milac85) September 16, 2021
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
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 12, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Daniil Medvedev of Russia celebrates with the championship trophy after his match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia (not pictured) in the men’s singles final on day fourteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
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.
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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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