Heading into rematch with Sinner, Medvedev vows to think positively about Melbourne heartbreak
Jannik Sinner vs. Daniil Medvedev is a rematch of the 2023 Miami Open final — and of the 2024 Australian Open final. What does semi-final Friday in Miami have in store?
Daniil Medvedev, Miami 2024 | © Julien Nouet for Tennis Majors
Daniil Medvedev is the only player to twice lose a Grand Slam final from two sets up. He did it against Rafael Nadal at the 2022 Australian Open final and again at Melbourne Park while facing Jannik Sinner just two months ago.
If there are any lingering demons from those results – especially the most recent one – Medvedev won’t be able to run away from them because he once again has to play against Sinner. Their next showdown will come on Friday in the semi-finals of the Miami Open.
It’s a chance for Medvedev to gain at least some measure of revenge for his Aussie Open loss and – if he wins – would also put himself within one victory of successfully defending a title for the first time in his career.
But the Russian knows he has a tough task ahead of him. After all, Sinner is 23-1 in his last 24 matches and 33-2 in his last 35. Dating back to last fall he has captured four titles (Beijing, Vienna, Australian Open, Rotterdam), has led Italy to a Davis Cup triumph, and has defeated Novak Djokovic three times (Davis Cup, Nitto ATP Finals, Australian Open).
“He’s playing better and better,” Medvedev said of Sinner. “He’s confident. Even in some matches where you look on TV he may be a little bit in trouble but he manages to find solutions. That’s what champions do. It’s a great challenge for me to try to improve my game. It’s not going to be easy.”
I won the first two sets — that would be enough for miami!
Daniil Medvedev
Trying to stop a red-hot opponent is the hard part. Mentally recovering from his Melbourne loss won’t be so difficult.
“I think only in a positive way,” Medvedev responded when asked if he would be thinking about what happened at the Australian Open. “I won the first two sets — that would be enough for Miami!
“[This] match is going to be different, but I felt like I was playing good until the end. For sure he’s gonna try to do something like he did in Australia. I’m gonna talk to my team and try to adapt also — see what I can do better…. I’m gonna go there 100 percent ready to win and make his life tough.”
Medvedev also added that he gets along very well with his Italian rival, whatever the results on the court. “Oh my relationship with Sinner is very good. I can’t say we are the greatest friends. Alcaraz and Sinner are really friends apparently, but I couldn’t tell you if they get diner together. Between Jannik and I, there is a lot of respect, no bad blood, and easy talking in the dressing room. Even after the AO final. We had the same flight – yes that happens, and it’ not easy for the winner – but it wasn’t a problem for me to congratulate him once again.”
A TACTICAL TEST AWAITS SINNER AND MEDVEDEV
When Medvedev won the Miami Open in 2023, he defeated none other than Sinner in the final. That was part of a six-win streak in Medvedev’s favor in their head-to-head series. Sinner has since reeled off four consecutive victories.
And he relishes being part of this rivalry. ” I am happy to be part of the greatest rivalries on the tennis Tour. In the past, I showed I was able to be the winner in that match-up and that’s definitely what I will try to do again. With me that’s easy: OK you create souvenirs when you play a big match, but if you lose, you try not to think about it.”
What can the 28-year-old do to turn the tide back on his side? Will he try something different from his tactics in Melbourne? Only time will tell.
“When you play someone like Jannik — or Carlos (Alcaraz) or Novak — every match is going to be different,” Medvedev explained. “He’s going to try to think (about) what he did in Australia the last three sets to beat me. I’m going to try to think about this also.
“And then we go on the court and we’ll see how we feel on this day. ‘Am I going to be far on the return or close. ‘Is he going to be going for it full or a little bit less aggressive?’ We never know. I’m just going to prepare from my side and try to do my best. With Sinner I feel that we both changed our games every time, trying new things. He was better on that aspect the last four times even if I was close in Melbourne. I’ll try new things on Friday.”
Sinner agreed.
“It’s going to be a very tactical match potentially, because I have to be ready if he starts off in a similar way as in Australia. I have to be ready…. Maybe he’s gonna change a couple of things.
“It’s going to be an interesting test for me. Hopefully I can show some good tennis, and that’s it. [Physically] I feel good. It’s going to be a very physical match in the next round. Let’s see what’s coming.”
Whatever is coming, Medvedev is sure of one thing: he won’t be taking it too much at heart. He’s not that type of player, so it’s useless to try to get him into any type hos hype. “I’m easygoing with tennis. I love my victories. I dislike my losses and I don’t give a shit for the rest of it. I’m not the type of guy you’ll see, in 15 years, saying “Ah that match, I wish I had done this and that”. In two days, it’s forgotten and I focus on the next win. But yes of course playing these big matches creates links.”
