In the demanding world of professional tennis, consistency is king, but evolution is essential. World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev appears to be mastering both. Following a commanding victory over Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters, Medvedev offered an intriguing glimpse into the current state of his game and mind, revealing a significant shift that has propelled him to new heights.
Speaking with former professional footballer Fyodor Smolov, Medvedev radiated a quiet confidence. “Honestly, I`m playing great right now,” he stated, a sentiment often reserved for the sport`s most dominant figures. This surge in form, however, isn`t just a fleeting moment; it`s attributed to a profound, almost energetic, change. Medvedev candidly explained, “With the new coach [Thomas Johansson], a new wave has appeared – something I haven`t experienced before in my adult career.” For an athlete who has spent years under a singular coaching influence, this fresh perspective has clearly unlocked a different dimension to his play.
The analogy to football coaching changes, where managerial shifts are far more frequent and often ignite a team`s performance, was not lost on Medvedev. He noted the similarities, underscoring the universal impact a fresh voice and new strategy can have. This “new wave” isn`t merely about tactics; it`s about a revitalized mindset, a different charge of energy that has seemingly closed the gap to what he considers his prime. “If we`re talking about a prime version of myself,” Medvedev mused, “I`m not far from it here.” Such an assessment from a Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 speaks volumes about his current belief and potential.
Yet, Medvedev`s world isn`t solely confined to the baseline. The conversation with Smolov quickly veered into another passion: football. It`s a sport he follows with an intensity that might surprise some, contrasting sharply with his often-stoic on-court demeanor. His dedication to Bayern Munich, for instance, runs deep, tracing back to his formative years. “Until I was 18, I followed it unbelievably,” he recounted, detailing an encyclopedic knowledge that extended even to the club`s youth squads – a level of detail many casual fans would find daunting, if not mildly obsessive.
While family life, two children, and the relentless ATP Tour schedule have naturally pared down the hours he can dedicate to football fandom, his loyalty remains. “Now, of course, I have less time: family, two kids, tennis,” he admitted. Despite the constraints, he still monitors Bayern`s results, especially thrilling, high-scoring affairs, indulging in highlights for the spectacle.
His foray into fantasy football, specifically the Premier League, however, paints a slightly different picture. With a wry chuckle, Medvedev confessed, “Yes, horribly! Impossible.” It seems that the precision and control he wields on the tennis court do not always translate to the capricious world of virtual team management. “I like to take risks, and it doesn`t work there at all,” he explained, perhaps a subtle admission that sometimes, even world-class strategic thinkers can be outmaneuvered by the unpredictable flow of a football season.
The discussion even included a specific critique of Harry Kane`s tenure at Bayern. While praising Kane`s “unbelievable” season, Medvedev couldn`t resist recalling a specific missed opportunity: “He did well, but he shouldn`t have missed that one-on-one against Inter.” It`s a testament to his keen eye for the game, a reminder that behind the tennis pro lies a deeply invested, discerning sports enthusiast.
Daniil Medvedev`s current journey is a fascinating blend of professional resurgence and personal passion. With a revitalized approach thanks to his new coach, he is poised to challenge at the sport`s pinnacle, all while maintaining a relatable, albeit ironically self-deprecating, connection to the world of football. It appears the “new wave” is serving him well, both on and off the court.
