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SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 04: Daniil Medvedev of Russia practices with his coach, Gilles Cervara, at the Qi Zhong Tennis Centre on October 04, 2019 before the start of the Rolex Shanghai Masters in Shanghai, China. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)
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SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 04: Daniil Medvedev of Russia practices with his coach, Gilles Cervara, at the Qi Zhong Tennis Centre on October 04, 2019 before the start of the Rolex Shanghai Masters in Shanghai, China. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)
Following the footsteps of Dominic Thiem, Daniil Medvedev lifted his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open 2021. For this, he defeated Serbian World No.1 Novak Djokovic in the final. But now, competing on the Tour as a Grand Slam champion will be another massive challenge.
Since his triumph in New York last year, Thiem hit a slump on the ATP Tour. Struggling to win, he also picked up a severe injury on his wrist this year in Mallorca. Consequently, the 28-year-old Austrian ended his 2021 season early.
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Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – May 30, 2021 Austria’s Dominic Thiem reacts during his first round match against Spain’s Pablo Andujar REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
Similarly, Medvedev has also freshly collected his first major title. So, is he safe from a letdown such as Thiem, who underestimated the energy it took in achieving his dream of a Grand Slam victory? Gilles Cervara, coach of Daniil Medvedev, answered Tennis Majors.
Will Daniil Medvedev struggle as Dominic Thiem post US Open 2021 victory?
Winning a Grand Slam is indeed the most challenging task in tennis. However, considering Medvedev‘s draw, he laddered up quickly compared to others.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 12, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; (L-R) Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Daniil Medvedev of Russia celebrate with the finalist and championship trophies, respectively, after their match in the men’s singles final on day fourteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
Besides, Medvedev is also the most successful player on the hard-court surface since 2018. That is why coach Cervara showed confidence regarding growth post the US Open glory. Yet, they will keep Thiem‘s example as a study point.
Cervara said, “I don’t think that will happen to him, but if we want to use what has happened for others, then yes, it is a point of attention.”
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 13: Dominic Thiem of Austria reacts in the third set during his Men’s Singles final match against and Alexander Zverev of Germany on Day Fourteen of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 13, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Furthermore, Cervara added that still they will “look for solutions” in case that happens.
Watch this story: Top US Open Finals Featuring Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Others
Where will Medvedev play next on the ATP Tour?
For now, Medvedev will be recovering from the exhaustive two weeks in New York. He, however, expressed his desire to play ATP events soon.
Most significantly, the Russian showed a green sign for Indian Wells, although it would be a physical battle. He also would be looking forward to defending his ATP Finals in Turin.
2019 & 2020 champions confirmed 🔒
These two superstars have joined Novak Djokovic as qualifiers for the 2021 #NittoATPFinals in Turin 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/IHkH3XmQ5J
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 13, 2021
So far, there is no confirmation on where Medvedev will return. Be that as it may, he will be up and ready for the famous tournaments on the men’s circuit.
Let’s see what comes next for Medvedev in 2021. Do you think he will maintain his form and win his second major in 2022?
