Daniil Medvedev has revealed the biggest mental challenge he has faced in his career so far was his devastating defeat to Rafael Nadal in the 2022 Australian Open final.
The 2021 US Open champion explained the loss was tough for “many reasons” and divulged he “kept looking back at that one match”, admitting “some things remain inexplicable.”
In the championship match at the 2022 Australian Open, Medvedev was beaten 2–6, 6–7(5–7), 6–4, 6–4, 7–5 by Nadal in an epic contest to fall agonisingly short of winning a second consecutive major title.
The Russian looked in prime position for a straight sets win when he led 2-0 in sets and had three break points to take a 4-2 lead at 2-3, 0-40 on Nadal’s serve in the third set.
The great Spaniard survived and staged a remarkable comeback to prevail in five hours and 24 minutes — making it the second longest Grand Slam final in history after the 2012 Australian Open final.
Daniil Medvedev seemed to struggle to recover from the loss for the rest of 2022 as he went on to have his worst season since establishing himself as a top player in 2019.
In an interview with Clay, Medvedev did not hesitate to highlight his brutal final loss in Melbourne two years ago when asked what the biggest mental of his career had been.
“That was the match against Rafa Nadal at the Australian Open two years ago. The final, which I lost. It was very tough for me. For many reasons,” the 28-year-old said.
“I usually look forward after matches. This time it was different. I kept looking back at that one match against Rafa. Many things still stick in my mind to this day.
“Some things remain inexplicable. But one thing is certain: I learned a lot from the loss. I may have also become a better player because of it.”
The world No 4 also reflected on his defeat to Jannik Sinner in the 2024 Australian Open final in January, which cruelly made him the first player to lose two major finals after leading by two sets to love.
“It was physically extremely demanding. Not so much mentally. I’m still very proud of my performance. In the analysis after the lost final, we noted that I probably didn’t do much wrong,” Medvedev assessed.
“It was just about a few points. I left Australia with a good feeling. It took me two days to get over it. Physically, it was much more difficult. I have to admit that.
“Yes, I can remember many situations. Break points, specific points. Won and lost ones. Maybe that’s really a talent of mine. I also remember matches from many years ago very well. At least some of them.”
The former world No 1 is in action at the 2024 Indian Wells Open, where he will face world No 13 Grigor Dimitrov in the last 16 on Wednesday. Medvedev made the final of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament last year, when he lost to Carlos Alcaraz.
