SEPT 20 - 22, 2024 | BERLIN
Daniil Medvedev is a man on a mission. The world No.5 contributed to Team Europe’s victory in Boston 2021 and is hungry to lift the trophy once again as he makes a return to Laver Cup competition.
How it’s going
The popular 28-year-old has become a regular figure at the business end of major tournaments.
“I feel like it was a good Grand Slam year,” he said after a four-set loss to Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals of the US Open earlier this month.
At the Australian Open in January, Medvedev was a set away from adding a second Grand Slam to his collection, falling to Sinner in five sets. At Wimbledon, he claimed revenge against the Italian in the quarterfinals, before falling at the next hurdle to Laver Cup debutant Carlos Alcaraz, who also prevailed over Medvedev in the Indian Wells final.
“Probably in my career, he’s toughest opponent I have faced,” he said of the 21-year-old Spaniard after his loss at Wimbledon. “I’m going to try to raise my level next time I play Carlos, try to do something new, something better,” said Medvedev, who can potentially schedule practice sessions in Berlin with his rival-turned-teammate.
The motivation to play Laver Cup
After banking good memories in Boston just weeks after capturing the 2021 US Open crown, Medvedev has a clear goal, three years later.
“We all want to win,” said Medvedev. “When we’re all there, we’re six guys wanting to beat the other six no matter who is on the other side of the net.”
Being wholeheartedly invested in the success of his Team Europe teammates was a totally new feeling, said Medvedev. “That’s what makes this event even more fun and more competitive, because it’s something that doesn’t happen throughout the year.
“It’s the only time throughout the year where we support each other, go to dinners together, we spend time together.”
The key to winning Laver Cup
Mental toughness and an ability to block out doubts in key moments can help alleviate the burden of putting points on the board, Medvedev said.
“Team events always [carry] more pressure,” he explained. “There are other guys that are there to support you, which is good, but if you start losing in the match, you’re looking at them and you’re like, ‘How do they look at me? Am I really losing bad? Do I have to do something better?’ so it’s big pressure and you try to handle it.” Confidence doesn’t hurt either. “Europe has a pretty strong lineup so I would say Team World is an underdog,” said the affable right-hander.
Role on Team Europe
“I would say the most important [role] is to bring points,” said Medvedev, who defeated Denis Shapovalov in straight sets in Boston, earning him an unblemished 1-0 Laver Cup record.
“But if we’re talking about personalities … I hope I can bring some calmness and serenity to the team,” he added. The father-of-one also enjoys playing the role of student, noting that Team Europe Captain Bjorn Borg helped freshen his game with “small adjustments” rather than major technical changes.
“I like to spend time with him because his energy is very calm,” Medvedev said of Borg.
“It’s also a good move to change coaches starting from next year,” he said, referring to incoming 2025 Laver Cup captains Yannick Noah and Andre Agassi. “It’s just going to be a lot of fun to try something new.”
