Daniil Medvedev says double triumph late last year at Paris Masters and ATP Finals laid platform for rise
Daniil Medvedev
Back-to-back triumphs at the Paris Masters and ATP Finals last year convinced Daniil Medvedev that he belongs among the world's best, the Russian said on Friday as he prepares to defend his title in the season finale.
The 25-year-old used the platform for a superb 2021 in which he made his breakthrough on the grandest stage, winning a first major at the USOpen where he beat top-ranked Novak Djokovic in the final to deny the Serb a rare calendar Grand Slam.
ALSO READ:Novak Djokovic downs Daniil Medvedev to claim record sixth Paris Masters title
World number two Medvedev lost to Djokovic in the Paris Masters title clash last Sunday and will look to continue their intriguing rivalry at the ATP Finals in Turin.
"Coming into Paris last year I was feeling completely out of shape and out of confidence," Medvedev told reporters. "I wasn't sure what I could achieve in the last two tournaments and then I found my confidence, won both. In the ATP finals I managed to beat Novak, Rafa Nadal and Dominic Thiem.
"Three tough matches, so it was amazing... After you achieve it, you're back... you say `OK I'm still able to do it` because we had the pandemic where everybody didn`t play for a long time. I had problems with my body, so coming back wasn`t easy.
)
US-Iran war: Report suggests US lost 42 aircraft, including fighter jets, reaper drones
)
'Could be bombed at any moment': What Iran's Araghchi told Trump envoy Witkoff during negotiations
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Spain World Cup victory parade in Madrid: Champions celebrate second FIFA World Cup title with over million fans
)
JD and Usha Vance welcome fourth child: Who serves as acting US vice president during Vance's paternity leave?
)
Mumbai court gives life sentences to 44 Somali pirates despite mercy plea
)
‘Iran can survive sanctions, but can’t truly live’: Dy FM warns of economic cost of war
)
'There is no need for...': PM Modi takes a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi, sends big message amid Parliament March
)
Truck loaded with stones, metro stations closed: What's happening at Jantar Mantar now
)
Salman Khan breaks silence on health concerns after viral Mumbai appearance
)
US-Iran conflicts: Houthis announce maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, Iran attacks MQ-9 drone hangar | Gravitas
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the F-22’s cockpit glass is thicker than a standard fighter jet
)
US strikes Iran, sirens heard in Kuwait, one American soldier killed in Iraq: What's happening in West Asia
)
Explained: Why Rodri won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball over Lionel Messi
)
Japan is selling a refrigerator to cool the human body for Rs 9 lakh. It is already a hit in Tokyo
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
2026 FIFA World Cup awards: Full list of Golden Boot, Golden Ball, Golden Glove and every major winner
)
Indus treaty can no longer function in its current form, says India; plans 5,500 mw of new J&K hydro projects
)
UP BTech gold medalist dies by suicide after failing in nearly 50 govt job attempts, leaves note for father
)
Xi Jinping's new AI bloc: China launches 'World AI Body' with Pakistan and Russia in, India out
)
FACT CHECK: Was Abhijit Dipke detained during CJP's Parliament march? Here's what police say
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the S-400 uses solid rocket fuel instead of liquid fuel
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US fighter jets use seamless bubble canopies compared to Russian jets
)
As Russia pounds Ukraine, Kyiv grapples with a growing manpower shortage in the military | Gravitas
)
Argentina's racism problem: How football chants reflect a deeper historical legacy
)
‘Netanyahu will not be arrested in any way, shape, or form in US’: Trump’s counter to Mamdani
)
Jail over Khamenei post: J&K youth returns home after 3 months in Saudi custody
)
'George Soros playbook': Understanding the foreign funding network around Sonam Wangchuk
)
'What is wrong...': Anna Hazare breaks silence on Sonam Wangchuk's protest, makes an appeal to Centre
)
Heavy sanctions loom over Argentine players after ugly brawl following final whistle in World Cup final
)
Tulsi Gabbard's brother Batarti accused of luring children to hotel room in Hawaii
)
Student union leaders call off hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after civil society appeal, but protest continues
)
Sonam Wangchuk's connection with George Soros and Ford Foundation explained!
)
Trump to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, escalating North America trade dispute
)
Revealed! The hidden ritual Marc Cucurella performed before Spain won the FIFA World Cup
"There was this 'down moment'where I wasn't sure about myself and these two tournaments brought back the confidence... made me sure that I'd be able to beat the best players in the world. That`s what you have to know to be one of them."
Medvedev opens the singles action on Sunday against Polish debutant Hubert Hurkacz and will meet Germany`s Alexander Zverev and Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini in the Red Group.