Daniil Medvedev has a clear objective for the final weeks of the season: return to the ATP Finals in Turin. However, the Russian has already identified an alternative if he fails to qualify, joking that a holiday in the Maldives would be a perfectly acceptable outcome. His comments came after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Shanghai Masters, where he moved closer to securing his place among the eight players competing for the season-ending title.
Medvedev beat Tsitsipas 6-4, 7-5 to reach the Shanghai quarter-finals for the fourth time in his career. The victory was particularly valuable in the race for Turin, with several of his direct qualification rivals already eliminated from the Chinese tournament. The Russian entered the closing stages of the event ranked eighth in the ATP Race to Turin, leaving him in a position where a deep run could significantly strengthen his chances.
Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton have already secured their places at the ATP Finals, while Jannik Sinner has withdrawn because of injury. Five places therefore remain available, with Medvedev needing to finish inside the qualifying positions to return to the prestigious event. A semi-final run in Shanghai would move him up to sixth in the race, while winning the title would put him in a particularly strong position with further tournaments still to come.
The stakes are significant for a player who missed the season-ending championships in 2025 after finishing the year at No. 13. Medvedev qualified six consecutive times between 2019 and 2024, winning the title in 2020 and reaching the final the following year. Now, with his level improving in China, he has an opportunity to return to a tournament where he has previously enjoyed considerable success.
Medvedev keeps ATP Finals qualification in perspective
Medvedev explained that his position in the race could have been much more comfortable had he maintained his results earlier in the Asian swing. His disqualification from the Beijing semi-finals cost him 200 ranking points, leaving him with additional work to do as the season approaches its conclusion.
“The main thing is the result. If I had played well in Canada, reached the quarter-finals, maintained this level and not lost 200 points last week, I would probably have already officially qualified.”
The Russian acknowledged that the qualification race can change quickly depending on individual results, particularly with the Paris Masters still to come. He knows that reaching the latter stages consistently would put him in a strong position, but he is not treating Turin as an obligation at any cost.
“Everything depends on the results. If you lose in the first round, you might not make it to Turin. If you reach the quarter-finals at every Masters tournament this season, you’ll most likely end up in Turin. So I’m doing my best.”
His most memorable comment came when he considered what would happen if the qualification campaign ultimately fell short. “If I reach the Finals, great. If not, the Maldives would be fine too.”
Shanghai conditions give Medvedev confidence against Tommy Paul
Medvedev's improved form has been linked to his comfort with the conditions in Shanghai. After struggling to find consistency at the US Open, the former world No. 1 said the courts and balls in China have helped him understand his game more clearly. His victory over Tsitsipas, in which he did not face a break point, provided further evidence of his effectiveness in those conditions.
“I feel like the balls are the same ones we’ve been playing with for three weeks, and the courts suit me. I feel like I understand what I’m doing on the court. I know which shots I want to hit.”
He added that his frustration at the US Open had been very different, particularly when his backhand failed to produce the results he expected despite extensive practice. “I’m not thinking, ‘Why the hell is my backhand going into the net when I’ve been practising it for three weeks?’ That’s what happened at the US Open.”
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Medvedev now faces Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals, with Rafael Jodar or Casper Ruud potentially awaiting him in the last four. He is aware that the remaining players in Shanghai have also produced impressive results, making it difficult to underestimate anyone at this stage.
“Honestly, I think that when you reach the quarter-finals of a Masters tournament, everyone has to be careful. Zizou Bergs beat Carlos Alcaraz, Tommy Paul beat Valentin Vacherot, the defending champion. So they’re also playing at a very high level.”
Medvedev's route to Turin remains in his own hands, and a strong finish in Shanghai could transform his position. For now, he is balancing the urgency of the qualification race with the relaxed perspective reflected in his Maldives comment. A second Shanghai title would bring him closer to Turin—and postpone those alternative holiday plans.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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