Medvedev said he most wants to avoid Leylah Fernandez, and if tennis had no serve, no one but Sinner could beat him.

The young American talent Leylah Fernandez has made a significant impact in professional tennis this season. After his surprise victory over Medvedev at the Australian Open early in the year, he went on to claim his first career title by the end of the season. Medvedev, who struggled against Fernandez this year, praised him highly and even said Fernandez is the opponent he most wants to avoid in 2026.

“I don’t know why, but we keep running into each other… Sometimes I can control the pace in certain matches, but against him, I always feel helpless at crucial moments,” Medvedev admitted.

He added, “It’s not easy for him either, so I believe he probably doesn’t want to face me either.”

Looking back at their three encounters in the 2025 season, the Russian trails with one win and two losses against Leylah Fernandez.

In the early season’s Australian Open second round, then world No.121 Leylah Fernandez stunned the three-time Australian Open finalist after a five-set battle, winning 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-7(8), 1-6, 7-6(10-7). This victory made Fernandez the youngest player to reach the Australian Open round of 16 since Rafael Nadal in 2005.

They met again in the semifinals of the China Open, where after entering the deciding set, Medvedev retired due to physical issues.

It wasn’t until their third meeting at the Shanghai Masters that Medvedev secured a tough 2-1 victory, earning his first win over Fernandez.

Some fans commented, “The problem is their playing styles and scoring methods are too similar! So when neither can break free from the other at the baseline, matches become very drawn-out and exhausting—not just for the players but even more so for the audience! That’s why Medvedev says he doesn’t want to face Fernandez, and Fernandez probably feels the same. It’s the truth.”

Interestingly, the Russian star also compared Leylah Fernandez with the 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy Fonseca, calling Fernandez a “phenomenal player with excellent court control.”

“I don’t think Fernandez is stronger than Fonseca in any aspect. They are both great players, but Fonseca’s style and current form show more potential,” Medvedev said.

What Medvedev meant is that Fonseca’s style better fits the current trends in men’s tennis. His game is more aggressive and attacking, making it easier for him to achieve results and create miracles on big stages. In contrast, Fernandez’s style is more limited, especially in terms of fitness, injuries, and physical condition. So technically, Fernandez does not have a significant advantage over Fonseca.

However, Medvedev noted that although Fernandez might not have any outstanding individual skills, his overall performance is excellent, with strong point construction ability and good tactical awareness. With these technical strengths, if tennis were a sport without serving, it would be hard for anyone except Sinner and Alcaraz to beat him.

“If tennis had no serve—which of course will never happen—then besides Sinner and Alcaraz, I can’t think of anyone who could easily beat Fernandez. He is a phenomenal player with superb court control. We can’t say he has one standout skill, but his overall tennis is exceptional,” he said.

Medvedev’s remarks sparked widespread discussion in the tennis community. Former player and current commentator Brad Gilbert wrote on social media, “When a player like Medvedev gives such specific praise, you need to listen carefully. His understanding of the game’s details is top-notch, and he clearly sees what makes these young players special.”

A fan on a tennis forum wrote, “Medvedev always offers unique insights. He said Fernandez doesn’t have a standout skill but performs excellently overall, which reminds me of early Djokovic—having no obvious weaknesses is the greatest strength.”

Another fan commented, “As a Brazilian supporter, I’m proud to hear Medvedev recognize Fonseca. Fonseca truly has the ability to change the rhythm of a match; his forehand and movement remind me of Federer in his youth.”

Some fans questioned Medvedev’s view: “I understand his admiration for Fernandez, but saying no one except Sinner and Alcaraz can easily beat him seems a bit exaggerated!”

Currently, the Russian star has set his sights on the 2026 season, and the rising rivalry between Fernandez and Fonseca will be one of the most anticipated competitions in men’s tennis in the coming years.(Source: Tennis Home Author: Lu Xiaotian)