“I want to thank my family. It’s the first time I’ve won a tournament with my two daughters and my wife together, so this one feels really special,” Daniil Medvedev said, his voice cracking with raw emotion after ending an 882-day title drought at the Almaty Open. For the former world number one, 2025 has been a storm of struggles: early Slam exits, a US Open meltdown, and a battle with form that tested his steel. Yet, destiny calls once more. With Turin’s bright lights looming, Medvedev now stands at the edge of redemption, candidly chasing the year-end ATP Finals dream.

Speaking at the La Défense Arena ahead of the Paris Masters, Daniil Medvedev was asked the inevitable question: after his long-awaited triumph at the Almaty Open, was he now thinking about the ATP Finals? The Russian, ever the realist, smiled and replied, “Not really.” Later, he added with calm honesty, “More about the top 10 than the ATP Finals. For the ATP Finals, I think I’d need to win.”

But even as he tempered expectations, Medvedev’s words carried the undertone of quiet ambition. “Anything is possible, I will try to do it. But those thoughts will come if I reach the semi-finals. For now, I am thinking about getting through the first round, and maybe the second and then maybe the third and so on. The main thing is to show good tennis, and then whatever happens, happens,” he said, a statement that perfectly captured the essence of a fighter who refuses to give in.

The road to Turin, however, remains a steep climb. Medvedev currently sits in 13th place in the Live ATP Race with 2,570 points. Even if he wins the Paris Masters, his tally would rise to 3,560, still shy of Lorenzo Musetti’s 3,685 points that mark the final qualification spot. The numbers might not favor him, but if there’s one thing the Russian has proven time and again, it’s that he thrives under pressure.

The former world number one reignited hope after capturing the ATP 250 title in Almaty. Yet, his momentum took a hit in Vienna. Just four days after defeating Corentin Moutet in Kazakhstan, Medvedev faced the same opponent again in the Austrian capital, and this time, the tables turned. Moutet outplayed him 7-6, 6-4, ending Medvedev’s campaign in the second round and keeping him on the outside looking in at the ATP Finals picture.

During that match, Medvedev asked for a medical timeout after the third game of the second set, receiving treatment for his right ankle before bravely continuing. Despite fighting hard, he fell short. Moutet, riding a wave of confidence, struck 34 winners to 31 unforced errors, keeping calm under pressure and sealing one of his biggest wins. It was a reminder of how fine the margins are, even for the game’s elite.

A deeper run in Vienna could have changed everything. But for now, the equation is simple: Medvedev needs a dream week in Paris to have any shot at Turin. And that begins with his upcoming battle against Jaume Munar, a tricky opponent known for grinding rallies and long matches.

As the Russian prepares for Paris, he’s also been taking in the changes around him. “Yes, this is my first day here, so I need some time to get used to it and see,” he said, noting the improvements. “More space is always nice for players anyway. The lounge is bigger, the restaurant is bigger, and the locker room is bigger. I think there are five courts, I think there were four (last year). Everything is a little bit bigger, so it’s always good.”

And while he adjusts to the new setting and reflects on the old scars of a turbulent season, one truth remains clear: Daniil Medvedev is still very much in the hunt. 

The Russian stands ready for one last charge, chasing redemption, respect, and maybe, just maybe, the gates of Turin.

Daniil Medvedev reconciles with Gilles Cervara after a 29-month drought

Since his 2023 Rome Masters triumph, the path has been long, thorny, and full of near-misses. Daniil Medvedev’s struggles stretched across continents, heartbreaks in New York, Beijing, Vienna, Melbourne, Indian Wells, and Halle. But finally, a spark reignited at this ATP 250, breaking a 29-month drought. The key difference? A bold coaching shift that breathed new air into his game.

Just a month ago, after crashing out in New York, Medvedev quietly ended his eight-year partnership with longtime coach Gilles Cervara, the man who guided him through his grandest moments, including the 2021 US Open glory. Their split came without theatrics, just mutual closure. Enter Thomas Johansson, Medvedev’s new tactician, though notably absent in Almaty.

When asked about this change, Medvedev didn’t dodge. He spoke with honesty, the kind that only comes after emotional detachment. “I haven’t looked at all the messages yet. Gilles and I aren’t in touch. That’s perfectly normal. We’re on great terms, but I don’t think we’ll keep in touch,” he said.

Medvedev continued with a measured calm, making peace with his past while moving forward. “When he starts working with someone, we’ll probably see each other at tournaments. Maybe we’ll talk there. And on the phone? That’s a closed chapter for both of us.”

Then, with an almost wistful tone, he added, “I don’t even know if he’ll write. He probably will. We’ll see. I haven’t seen him yet.”

Now, as the Paris Masters looms large, the Russian enters with quiet conviction. The question remains: can Daniil Medvedev turn this emotional reset into a charge for Turin?