Tennis has become an unforgiving arena, especially for players who face sustained challenges in their performance. Daniil Medvedev, once a dominant force on hard courts, is currently amid a two-year title drought as he navigates a difficult stretch marked by early exits and missed opportunities. Despite this slump, former world No. 1 Andy Roddick remains steadfast in his belief that Medvedev’s legacy and potential still make him a formidable competitor in the sport.
Andy Roddick Defends Medvedev Amid Current Difficulties
Medvedev’s recent form on the North American hard court circuit has been disappointing. His campaigns at the Washington Open, Canadian Open, and Cincinnati Open ended earlier than expected, causing concern among fans and analysts alike. Even though hard courts have historically been Medvedev’s strongest surface, contributing to 18 of his 20 career titles, this year’s performances have not reflected his usual dominance.
Despite these setbacks, Andy Roddick voiced strong support for Medvedev, emphasizing the Russian’s past achievements and placing the current challenges into the broader context of the sport’s evolving era. On his podcast, Roddick stated,
“If you take a step back, he’s been world number one, a Grand Slam winner, a multiple Grand Slam finalist, a Masters 1000 winner… This guy is in a transitional era, starting with Rafa, Roger, Novak, and now moving into the early years of Alcaraz’s prime form, maybe not yet at his peak, but at the beginning of it. So, first of all, hats off to him…”
—Andy Roddick, Former World No. 1 and Tennis Analyst
Roddick highlighted that Medvedev belongs to a special group of players who have achieved multiple Grand Slam finals, Masters 1000 titles, and a Grand Slam championship, specifically recalling his 2021 US Open victory that halted Novak Djokovic’s calendar Grand Slam attempt. The 29-year-old has also reached the 2024 Australian Open final and claimed six Masters 1000 titles as well as the 2020 ATP Finals crown.
Further explaining Medvedev’s current condition, Roddick said,
“Secondly, he’s clearly searching for something. We’re at a turning point. Is this the new normal? Or is it just a lull, a question of confidence or adjustments? We don’t know yet. Betting against the greats is always risky. Players who have been world number one, who have won a Grand Slam, and who have more than 20 titles, they’re not easy to come by. He’s one of them.”
—Andy Roddick, Former World No. 1 and Tennis Analyst
Analyzing Medvedev’s Ongoing Performance Challenges
This season has been tough for Medvedev, with his losses outnumbering wins as he struggles to recapture the consistency that defined his peak years. At the Cincinnati Masters, he suffered a surprising first-round defeat at the hands of Australia’s Adam Walton, who is ranked outside the top 80. This defeat was his 15th loss in just 40 matches for the year, a worrying statistic for a player once heralded for his prowess on hard courts.
Medvedev’s Grand Slam outings have also been underwhelming, marked by early round exits and grueling five-set matches that did not go his way. He pushed through just two rounds at the Australian Open, endured a first-round loss at Roland Garros in five sets, and was ousted in the opening round at Wimbledon in four sets. These inconsistent results have cast doubt on his ability to make a deep run in upcoming major tournaments.
Adding to his challenges have been ongoing physical ailments. Medvedev has been open about struggling with shoulder pain between 2023 and 2024, which has impacted his performance and recovery. He also pointed out difficult playing conditions at Cincinnati that exacerbated his physical fatigue. This combination of injury and form decline raises questions about how quickly he can regain his previous competitive edge.
Upcoming US Open and Doubles Participation
Despite current setbacks, Medvedev is preparing for the US Open, set to compete singles and team up with fellow Russian Mirra Andreeva in the doubles draw. Andreeva recently withdrew from the Cincinnati Open due to an ankle injury sustained in Montreal, but both players hope to be ready for the season’s final Grand Slam event. The tournament represents a critical opportunity for Medvedev to re-establish his place among the elite and test his resilience against the world’s best players.
There remains cautious optimism among observers that Medvedev’s struggles may be a temporary phase within a longer career arc, especially with the ongoing shifts in men’s tennis as the dominance of players like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic gives way to a new generation including Carlos Alcaraz. How Medvedev adapts to these changes, addresses his physical health, and manages his mental game will determine his path forward.