Medvedev Completely Open: I was stubborn in the final against Novak

• Tennis

Danil Medvedev reflects on his US Open loss to Novak Djokovic, a match that taught him valuable lessons about his game and strategy. Djokovic clinched his 24th Grand Slam title in New York last September, avenging his defeat to Medvedev in the 2021 final.

When asked whether altering his tactics during the match could have changed the outcome, Medvedev admitted: "Maybe I would have taken a set, but I'm uncertain about the match itself. When it comes to facing Novak in the future, my answer is yes.

These are aspects of tennis. Particularly when playing against a formidable opponent who capitalizes on serve and net play, making necessary adjustments can significantly impact the outcome." Medvedev humbly acknowledged his stubbornness during the match, conceding that his recognition of this trait came too late in the intense showdown, a critical self-realization that fuels his drive for self-improvement and success on the tennis court.

"There were moments, like when it was 30-30 or 30-40, where I could have put him under pressure if I had executed my responses differently. It's not about breaking him every time; it's about returning effectively at the right moments.

I couldn't respond as I had initially planned during the match, even though I believed I could. Post-match, I realized I was overly obstinate. I should have made adjustments, but it's a complex decision. Changing my approach might not have guaranteed victory," he reflected.

The lessons learned from his loss to Djokovic serve as a crucial stepping stone in his ongoing pursuit of excellence

Medvedev's journey continued as he reached the quarterfinals of the Vienna tournament, where he is the top seed.

He faced a tough challenge against Grigor Dimitrov and emerged victorious with a scoreline of 3-6, 6-2, 6-4, showcasing his determination and adaptability in a sport where continuous improvement is the key to success. The lessons learned from his loss to Djokovic serve as a crucial stepping stone in his ongoing pursuit of excellence in the world of professional tennis.