Daniil Medvedev confident of challenging at the Australian Open

James Richardson
January 8, 2023

Daniil Medvedev insists that he is confident of mounting another significant challenge at the Australian Open.

Medvedev lost to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals in the Adelaide International 1 but feels that his form through the week suggests he could go deep in Melbourne.

The Russian courted controversy as he appeared to mock Novak Djokovic while the Serbian was treated for an injury.

Medvedev has his sights set on making a big splash at the Australian Open.

“I think with the feeling I had this week, I could be back at winning [against] these guys, winning tournaments,” Medvedev said. “Again, Novak is in a different league, 21 slams. But generally [I’m] positive. Need to stay positive because the first Slam is coming. Want to show my best. Want to feel a great atmosphere like it was here in Adelaide. Looking forward.”

Medvedev says that he is always out to win no matter who he faces, an attitude he believes has helped him overcome the best players in the world.

“Every time I play them, before the match the only thought is I have to win,” Medvedev said. “I have to try my best to win. I managed to do it. Rafa, I think I beat only once, but still I managed to do it. I had some tough matches against him, against Novak. Against Novak I won a slam. I believe in myself.

“But sometimes on the court it gets tough. Sometimes you don’t manage to make the challenge. Tonight is a case. I didn’t manage to pass the test. Next time I face him, I’m going to try to do it again.”

Medvedev owns four wins over Djokovic in 13 meetings between the two, but feels he might have had a few more, if a few small things had gone his way.

“Sometimes tennis is about the small, small margins,” Medvedev said. “Some matches I managed to win against him. This one was completely on his side.”

Medvedev has finished as the runner-up at the Australian for the last two seasons but looks set to carry the sixth seeding at the tournament.

The World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz will miss the Australian Open with injury leaving defending champion Rafael Nadal as the top seed while Casper Ruud will anchor the draw as the No 2.

Medvedev won his only Grand Slam to date at the 2021 US Open where he beat Djokovic in the final.

Daniil Medvedev