Daniil Medvedev
Undoubtedly the highlight of Daniil Medvedev’s career to date came in the 2021 US Open, when he defied the odds to beat Novak Djokovic in the final at Flushing Meadows.
The Russian star is hoping to rekindle that form from a couple of years ago as he looks to secure that second elusive Grand Slam title.
Considered a potential contender before the 2021 US Open, Medvedev was handed a boost with some big names missing out on the tournament in New York City due to injuries. Medvedev, who is +900 in the betting on tennis with Paddy Power to win the US Open this year, knew he would not have to face the likes of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Dominic Thiem, Stanislas Wawrinka or Milos Raonic due to injuries. However, Medvedev knew he would likely have to get past the formidable Djokovic, who is +110 in the 2023 Men’s US Open odds, to win the title that year.
Despite some tricky early opponents, Medvedev produced some impressive results to keep his maiden major title hopes alive. Richard Gasquet was certainly a tough opening match, with the Frenchman having previously reached the US Open semi-finals back in 2013.
However, Medvedev was to set the tone for the remainder of the competition, as he breezed to a 6-4, 6-3, 6-1 victory over Gasquet.
Heading into the 2021 US Open, the imperious Djokovic was on course, as was covered by the BBC, for what would have been a major landmark in his career. The Serbian star has never managed to win all four Grand Slams in a single year but in 2021 he had already won the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon titles before heading to Flushing Meadows.
Having battled his way to the final in New York City, it was only Medvedev who stood in between Djokovic and a remarkable clean sweep of the major titles. However, Medvedev was to produce one of the best performances of his career, under the most intense pressure, to win the final 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the Big Apple.
While it was heartbreak for Djokovic, who ESPN covered winning the French Open this year, it was the pinnacle of Medvedev’s career as he finally ended his wait for a first Grand Slam title. The Russian will likely use that memory as motivation as he looks to repeat the feat at the US Open this season.
As a former world number one, Medvedev has already shown in his career he’s capable of consistency and he will need that if he is to leave New York City with the title once again.
Reaching two Australian Open finals in 2021 and 2022, while also landing that huge win over Djokovic at Flushing Meadows, it’s clear Medvedev enjoys playing on hard courts. That will stand him in good stead for the challenge ahead.
Medvedev has been able to handle the heat, humidity, and pressure of playing in the latter stages of the US Open in the past and he will need to call on that experience if he is to become a two-time Grand Slam champion in 2023.