John McEnroe Delivers Brutal Verdict on Daniil Medvedev’s US Open Struggles: ‘Doesn’t Know What the Hell He’s Doing’

He’s a man of many words. And more often than not, a man with strong opinions. John McEnroe always backs himself whenever a point has to be made. And this time, in his sight is a former US Open Champion from Russia. A disappointing 1st round exit from the 2025 US Open leaves Daniil Medvedev’s season in shambles; crashing out against an unseeded player in the first round is a disaster. But if there was a way he could have made it look worse, he sure went for it.

The 29-year-old lost against Benjamin Bonzi in a 5-set thriller. But Medvedev didn’t lose gracefully. His on-court antics were screaming frustration, leaving McEnroe unimpressed. Appearing on the Nothing Major Show, when asked about Medvedev’s conduct, the 4-time US Open Champion said, “He’s got to get his act together.” There were more than one such incident in the match.

Having lost the first 2 sets, the Russian was slightly displeased by a photographer walking onto the court as Bonzi was serving in the 3rd set for match point. What made it worse was the umpire deciding to award the Frenchman a new first serve after the delay. Medvedev confronted the chair umpire regarding the decision, even shouting, “Guys, he wants to leave. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour.”

Speaking about the 2021 US Open champ, McEnroe further added, “I think he’s so lost right now. I’m not sure what’s going to happen with him in the future.” Well, in the match against Bonzi, somehow Medvedev recovered in the third set. And he took the match deep. But there, the World No. 51 held his nerve and made his opponent flinch. Medvedev was so frustrated that he slipped in the final set, and he smashed his racket in raging frustration.

Now, McEnroe is worried about the Russian former World No. 1. He thinks Daniil Medvedev is quite low on confidence and “doesn’t know what the hell he’s doing at this point.” Well, if you looked at his season, you would understand why the 29-year-old is so out of sorts. This is unknown territory for a guy who’s been to 3 Australian Open finals and has also won the Nitto ATP Finals.

Contrastingly, the Russian has won just one Grand Slam match in the entire year. As shocking as it sounds, it is the truth. After a first round win at the Australian Open way back in January, Daniil Medvedev hasn’t been able to overcome any of his opponents at a Slam. Which means 3 1st round exits.

More damning is that Daniil Medvedev is nicknamed the Iceman for his composure, and he is a fine tennis player on hard courts. After all, his only Grand Slam came at the Flushing Meadows, that too, by beating Novak Djokovic in straight sets. Whatever is happening is quite uncharacteristic of him.

Ask John McEnroe, he has already given his verdict: Medvedev’s already tapped out. You can never stop McEnroe from taking an absolute stance. Like he has done again for the new generation.

John McEnroe compares the new generation and the Big Three again

After the French Open, McEnroe made the sensational comment: “I’m saying Sinner and Alcaraz against Nadal on clay — you would make a serious argument with both guys that they would be favored to beat Nadal, at his best.” Yep, McEnroe backs Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to beat the guy who has won 14 Roland Garros while competing with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Not many could side with him. But this time, the American may have said something that may just hold very true. Appearing on the Sportscenter, the 66-year-old said, “Carlos Alcaraz is the better all-around player.” But there’s a catch, as he was discussing the big Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry. “If he brings A-minus or below, Sinner’s going to beat him. That’s what it boils down to.”

And then McEnroe reinforced his well documented belief in Alcaraz. Although this opinion has been in the mainstream debates for a while now. “This guy, Carlos Alcaraz, in my opinion, is the most talented young kid 2021-22 that I’ve ever seen on a tennis court,” the US tennis icon said. “That’s more than Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, who I have great respect for.”

Carlos Alcaraz has impressed such with his versatility, flair mixed with power and speed. While Sinner has been all about precision, power, speed, and mechanical efficiency. And when they clash, it’s like two worlds colliding. Shall we see that again at the 2025 US Open? Catch every key moment from the US Open as it happens.