TENNIS: Motivated Medvedev eyes Grand Slam gains after 2025 wipe-out

MELBOURNE — Tennis fans can look forward to seeing Daniil Medvedev back in form at the Australian Open after a challenging 2025. The enigmatic Russian ended the year on a high, capturing the Brisbane International trophy on Sunday, just weeks after breaking an 882-day title drought in Almaty.

Medvedev’s resurgence comes under a new coaching setup, led by 2002 Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson and part-time Australian coach Rohan Goetzke. The Russian turned to the duo following a disappointing third consecutive first-round exit at the U.S. Open, which also marked the end of his long-time partnership with coach Gilles Cervara. Cervara had guided Medvedev to the world number one ranking and his 2021 U.S. Open title.

"It was, of course, a big decision in my life with Gilles. It depends how we count, but like 11 or eight years fully together," Medvedev told reporters at Melbourne Park on Friday. "In the end, (after the U.S. Open) was the moment to do it, the turning point. It helped me a lot. I’ve loved working with Thomas and Rohan. We were first kind of on a trial period until the end of the season, but I love working with them. I do think they love working with me, so we decided to continue. Hopefully it can be a long one and a great one."

A motivated and fit Medvedev is good news for the men’s tour, which in 2025 was largely dominated by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. At his peak, Medvedev challenged the sport’s greats, winning his first and only Grand Slam at the 2021 U.S. Open and keeping fans entertained with his on-court antics.

Tennis enthusiasts will hope Medvedev can revisit those glory days in Melbourne, where he has reached three finals, including one two years ago when he lost to Sinner in a heartbreaking five-set match after winning the first two sets.

At 29, Medvedev’s career could be on the rise again, but he remains focused and grounded. He has set himself a unique goal: to win a tournament for the second time, as all 22 of his career titles have been at different events.

"Now my goal is to win a second title somewhere in the city where I already won," he said. "It’s a clear goal. I’m saying it out loud. I’m not sure I’ll achieve it, but I’m going to do my best to try. Here we’re in Melbourne, so I hope to get to 23 before I get a second somewhere."

-Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters