Medvedev Reflects on Rise of Young Tennis Stars Amid Career Challenges

MARSEILLE, France — Daniil Medvedev, the former world No. 1, delivered a candid reflection on the competitive landscape of tennis, particularly regarding younger rivals like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Competing at the Open 13 Marseille, Medvedev acknowledged the emerging threats posed by the new generation as he seeks to regain his form this season.

Once heralded as a future champion, Medvedev became the first man outside the ‘Big Four’ to ascend to the top of the ATP rankings in 18 years during his 2022 campaign. However, he now finds himself trailing behind younger players who have already claimed multiple Grand Slam titles.

“We have seen a lot of things in the history of tennis, so I don’t think there are any certainties,” Medvedev said regarding Alcaraz and Sinner, who collectively hold seven Grand Slam titles. “Sinner and Alcaraz, at the moment, look like they are going to win a lot of Grand Slams, that’s for sure. How many each? We don’t know.”

With a disappointing 1-5 record in major finals and his only Grand Slam win in 2021 at the US Open, Medvedev finds himself as part of a generation overshadowed by the accomplishments of players born after 2000. Alcaraz and Sinner have spent a combined 72 weeks as world No. 1, while Medvedev now sits at No. 8.

Amidst this competitive backdrop, Medvedev highlighted the uncertainty that can come with a career in tennis. He noted the many unpredictable factors, including injuries, that can affect players’ trajectories: “In tennis, you never know. The most important thing for me, and for the others too, is to keep going, play, fight, and you’ll have opportunities.”

Despite the hurdles, Medvedev still believes in the potential of his contemporaries and himself to capture significant titles moving forward. “Zverev was already in a final against Alcaraz; he could have won Roland Garros. It’s the same with [Taylor] Fritz,” he said. “All of them can win a Grand Slam, and so can I.”

As Medvedev aims for his second title at the ATP 250 event in Marseille, he expressed a particular focus on turning around his recent performance. The significance of capturing the Marseille title looms large for the 29-year-old, who seeks to end his streak of never winning the same tournament twice.