Russian Star Daniil Medvedev Vows To Avenge Two Painful Losses to Rafael Nadal in the Near Future: ‘I Want To Beat Everyone…’

The Russian tennis ace, Daniil Medvedev, claimed his first Grand Slam title last year. He has been on the top of his game over the past few years and is one of the toughest competitors to consistent performers like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Competing in the Astana Open, the former US Open champion advanced to the semifinals of the competition. When asked about facing Djokovic, he talked about dealing with his rivals and listed a few names, whom he wants to beat in his upcoming competitions. 

Daniil Medvedev wants to beat everyone, but especially Nadal

This year, the Russian tennis star has faced the Spaniard, Rafael Nadal, two times, first at the Australian Open and then at the Mexican Open and both were crucial matches. One was the final, and the other was a semi-final match, respectively. But the world number four couldn’t win against the 22-time Grand Slam champion on both occasions. 

But now, Medvedev sees himself taking down all the top seeds and being the best. After advancing to the semi-finals, when asked about facing his next opponent, Djokovic, he talked about him getting ready to beat everyone. He will be facing the 21-time Grand Slam champion for the second time this year after his Roland Garros face-off.

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Talking about his rivalry, he said, “I feel like it’s not a bad rivalry. Of course, it’s not close to what Novak has with Roger Federer or Rafa Nadal, but still, I need to do my best tomorrow. I want to beat everyone and, in fact, Rafa even more because I have lost two Grand Slam finals against him.” 

Medvedev’s mid-game retirement

After reaching the semi-finals of the Astana Open, the 26-year-old was forced to retire because of an injury. Despite putting in a scintillating performance against Djokovic, after the second set, things didn’t go the Russian star’s way. Even his opponent was stunned by his sudden decision in the middle of the match. In the post-match interview, Djokovic said, “I really hope that his injury is nothing too serious…He wouldn’t retire a match if he didn’t feel that he [could] continue or [if it wouldn’t] worsen his injury.”

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Over the course of his career, the world number four has previously faced the Serbian legend in two Grand Slam finals. After losing the Australian Open final in 2021, the Russian star avenged his defeat later that year to secure his maiden Grand Slam title in Flushing Meadows. Last year, at the US Open, the Russian star defeated the former world number one to thwart his dreams of securing an unprecedented Calendar Grand Slam.