Medvedev: At a Career Crossroads, Entering the “Mature Phase” of His Professional Journey

In October 2025, with a season record of 30 wins and 20 losses, 29-year-old Daniil Medvedev arrived in Shanghai as planned, gearing up for what he described as “the best tour event outside the Grand Slams” — the Shanghai Masters. For this player, who holds 20 tour titles and has once been ranked ATP world No. 1, this trip to Shanghai is more than just another tournament; it marks a crucial starting point in the “mature phase” of his career. After enduring a drought of 50 tournaments without a title and parting ways with his long-time coach, he is now seeking to rekindle his competitive spark with a new team and mindset.

Looking back at 2023, Medvedev was in outstanding form, winning five titles in the first five months (up to the Rome tournament), demonstrating the dominance of a top world player. However, no one expected that after this peak, he would enter a long title drought, failing to win a trophy in 50 consecutive tour events and managing only one victory across the four Grand Slams this year. Such results forced the 2021 US Open champion and 2022 US Open runner-up to reassess his career, with the first major change being the overhaul of his coaching team.

Since Medvedev first appeared on the ATP tour, Gilles Cervara had been the most consistent presence in his player box, accompanying him through the critical journey from rookie to world No. 1. But due to the ups and downs in results from last year to this year, Medvedev made a “difficult but necessary” decision — to part ways with Cervara and instead collaborate with two new coaches, Thomas Johansson and Rohan Gajjar.

“I’m already 29, soon turning 30, and I want to try something new during this mature stage of my career.”

During an interview in Shanghai, Medvedev admitted that when he first worked with Cervara, he was still young and many decisions were made by his parents and training academy. Choosing his own team this time around is a completely new experience for him and an important step toward “professional maturity.”

In Medvedev’s view, the role a coach plays at age 20 is completely different from that at 30. At 20, you are a young player who needs guidance; at 30, you no longer need someone to show you the way but rather someone to help you rediscover your direction.

With this in mind, he found a good fit in his new coaches: “A coach must be a good listener, which is very important, and we have to get along well. I’m happy working with Thomas and Rohan now — we have great chemistry on court and a relaxed relationship off it. They never hesitate to share their thoughts.”

Thomas Johansson and Rohan Gajjar

If changing coaches was the first step in Medvedev’s “proactive transformation,” then his experience at this year’s US Open became the catalyst forcing him to change. After a first-round exit, an emotional Medvedev smashed a racket on the players’ bench and then threw six rackets to the crowd — a chaotic and striking scene revealing his despair and struggle at that moment.

“I was really overwhelmed at that moment but thought maybe the crowd would like it. Actually, I still had one racket left in my bag, but I didn’t even notice.”

Recalling that scene, Medvedev did not shy away from his disappointment: “I was upset about the match result, about my performance on court, and even about my behavior. I wanted to release my frustration, but I was so cramped I couldn’t stand up. That was a sign of despair and made me realize I needed a fresh start.”

Fortunately, the Beijing tournament became a testing ground for Medvedev’s adjustment. Although he retired in the ATP 500 Beijing semifinals due to cramps, losing to Lenny, reaching the semifinals showed him the progress he had made. He said:

“Beijing was a big step forward. Now coming to Shanghai, I need to push further.”

For Medvedev, Shanghai is not only a venue to chase better results but also a place where he can regain confidence. In 2019, he lifted the Shanghai Masters trophy here, and everything about this city makes it especially dear to him. When talking about Shanghai, Medvedev’s fondness is evident.

“Since my first visit, I’ve felt this is the best tour event outside the Grand Slams. That’s my honest opinion and my favorite tournament. I like China, the facilities and courts in Shanghai, and everything about this place.”

Last night, Medvedev defeated Fucina 6-3, 7-5 in the third round. The match was physically demanding. When asked about Shanghai’s intense heat, Medvedev explained his feelings logically:

Usually, I start feeling uncomfortable around 28°C, but many players only feel it above 33°C. Now, finally, their feelings match mine.

During last night’s match, Medvedev played almost entirely wearing a “cooling vest.” Fans joked that the material of the crocodile-patterned outfit lacked “high-tech” feel.

In the fourth round, Medvedev will face American youngster Lenny again. This match will be a double challenge: testing his endurance against the heat and his mental strength facing an opponent he has lost to twice consecutively.

[Look at me][Look at me][Look at me][Give myself a flower][Give myself a flower][Give myself a flower]

#Medvedev#​#2025ShanghaiMasters#​#TennisNews#​