Daniil Medvedev is gradually finding his rhythm in 2025, making strides on grass courts.
Following a disappointing first-round exit at the French Open, Medvedev faced another setback in the second round at the Libema Open on grass.
However, Medvedev rebounded by defeating Daniel Altmaier, Quentin Halys, and Alex Michelsen to reach the Halle Open semi-finals.
In the semis, the Russian achieved his most significant victory of the season by beating Alexander Zverev in three sets, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4.
Advancing to the final, Medvedev lost to Alexander Bublik with scores of 3-6, 6-7, missing the opportunity to secure his first title since May 2023.
Once ranked as the world number one following his US Open victory in 2021, it was unexpected that Medvedev would experience a 24-month title drought.
Daniil Medvedev states that winning a Grand Slam is ‘100%’ more valuable than being world number one
Before Wimbledon, Medvedev was interviewed by the Russian media outlet Bolshe, where he expressed his preference between winning a Grand Slam and becoming world number one.
“Grand Slam 100%,” he asserted. “Winning a Grand Slam often provides a significant points boost towards becoming world number one. Both achievements are valuable, but I believe a Grand Slam holds greater importance. We often discuss players who have been number one, such as Marcelo Rios, but rarely do we mention those who have clinched Grand Slams yet weren’t at the top.”
Marcelo Rios: The world number one who never secured a Grand Slam
Marcelo Rios, hailing from Chile, had a remarkable tennis career on the ATP Tour from 1994 to 2004. His big break came in 1997 when he secured his first Masters 1000 title at the Monte-Carlo Masters.
Rios was the sole player in 1997 to reach the fourth round in all four Grand Slam events, finishing the year ranked tenth in the world. However, despite a fantastic start to 1998, which included three titles and his first Grand Slam final, injuries soon took a toll on his career.
By 2004, Rios retired, having never claimed a Grand Slam title, and remains the only player in the Open Era to be ranked number one in the world without a Grand Slam win.
