‘Novak is still the best in the world’ – Medvedev hails Djokovic after Adelaide semi-final

With the world No 1 out of the first Grand Slam of the year, a former tour leader is in fine form to step back up

Tennis – Adelaide International – Memorial Drive Tennis Club, Adelaide, Australia – January 7, 2023 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic shakes hands with Russia’s Daniil Medvedev after winning his semi final match (AI/Reuters/Panoramic)

Carrie Dunn

January 7, 2023

With Carlos Alcaraz out of the Australian Open, the world No 1 spot is up for grabs again – and Daniil Medvedev is in no doubt who the best male player is at the moment.

According to the Russian, it’s the man who beat him 6-3, 6-4 in the semi-final of the Adelaide International – Novak Djokovic.

“Honestly, losing against probably best player in the world right now,” he said in his post-match press conference. “Of course, Carlos in terms of rankings because he’s done amazing in one part of the year, 2022. He’s first. But also since he’s not in Australian Open, Novak probably best in the world right now. He won four tournaments in a row, five tournaments in a row.”

Medvedev admitted he was disappointed with a straight-sets defeat.

“Bit disappointed, but that’s also positive. I felt great tonight, really great, that’s good for Australian Open. But feeling that great, I lost. That’s a little bit the negative.

“So, yeah, hopefully no Novak on my side of the draw in Australian Open. But even if it’s not the case, going to try my best and going to try to do better next time like I was able to do against him before.”

Medvedev: I believe in myself

And even if he has only one Grand Slam under his belt at the moment, he has another piece of knowledge that reassures him.

“Against Novak I won a slam,” he reminded reporters. “I believe in myself.

“But sometimes on the court it gets tough. Sometimes you don’t manage to make the challenge. Tonight is a case. I didn’t manage to pass the test. Next time I face him, I’m going to try to do it again.”