Medvedev’s Breaking Point at the ATP Finals

Daniil Medvedev, currently ranked No. 4 globally and one of the most articulate voices on the ATP Tour, reached a breaking point during the ATP Finals due to a mix of physical issues and situational frustrations. Medvedev’s shoulder injury has hampered him throughout the year, particularly impacting his once-dominant serve, a key component in his aggressive gameplay that places opponents under pressure.

Facing frequent matches against Jannik Sinner, his consistent but challenging opponent, Medvedev voiced concerns about the tennis balls used on the tour, which he believes favor opponents like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz who can effectively accelerate through slower, heavier balls. This disadvantage has been a source of ongoing frustration for Medvedev.

In Turin, following a straight-set loss to Taylor Fritz, Medvedev expressed his discontent openly, sharing that he has been struggling with joylessness on the court. His frustration surfaced visibly during the match, as he theatrically threw his racket and feigned an inability to maintain control. He mentioned feeling “tired of fighting against something” beyond his control, referring specifically to the impact of the ball specifications on his game.

Despite facing further matches against Alex de Minaur and Sinner, Medvedev showed little enthusiasm about continuing the season, signaling a deeper dissatisfaction with his current playing circumstances and challenges.

Source: the Atlantic