An odd stage of his professional career is what Daniil Medvedev is going through at the moment, with his title drought becoming alarming. The former world number 1 and Grand Slam winner hasn’t lifted a trophy since his victory at the Foro Itálico two years ago. In the press conference before the 2025 Rome ATP Masters 1000, he expressed his feelings on that and other topics.
Many believe his best days are behind him and that Daniil Medvedev needs to embrace a change in his career trajectory. However, a born winner like the Russian is not going to give up easily. He has gone two years without a single title, dropped out of the top 10, and his game seems to have lost that genuine spark that characterized him during his major successes. He discussed this in the lead-up to the 2025 Rome ATP Masters 1000, an event that could be crucial for him
“I feel that winning here two years ago gave me a lot of serenity and helped me better understand this surface. Obviously, I prefer to play on hard courts, but since I became champion at the Foro Itálico, I haven’t lost my temper on a clay court again; I am a more optimistic person and believe much more in my chances of achieving good results. I never thought I would win a Masters 1000 on clay, but I did, and now I’m here again with things to prove, so let’s go for it,” said the Russian.
When asked about the importance of factors like confidence and what his main motivations are now that it seems his prime has passed, Daniil Medvedev is firm. “My motivation is to be better every day. Last year, I didn’t show my best version; I wasn’t a recognizable tennis player, but every time I enter a tournament, I do so with the mentality that I can win it. I need some luck for everything I’m working on to translate into good results. What I’m clear on is that when I retire from tennis, I want to do it knowing that I gave my best and have nothing to regret,” affirmed a man who will strive to return to the top 10 at this 2025 Rome ATP Masters 1000.