"Today I changed my opinion": Daniil Medvedev weighs in on the Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry

Thursday, 17 October 2024 at 20:30

Daniil Medvedev praised Jannik Sinner and offered his perspective on the rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz. The Russian endured a harsh defeat at the Six Kings Slam, losing 0-6, 3-6 to the Italian, who has won 7 of their last 8 encounters at ATP level.

Since Sinner's resurgence in 2023, he has levelled his head-to-head record against Medvedev from 0-6 to 7-7, including a victory in the Australian Open final earlier this year. Medvedev has only once experienced a similarly one-sided loss to Sinner (1-6, 2-6 in the Miami Open semi-finals), yet he considered this recent match as the best performance he has witnessed from the world No. 1.

"I don't remember the last time this happened" - Daniil Medvedev

The rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz has intensified in recent years, with many seeing them as the potential successors to the Big-3, poised to dominate the Tour for years to come. The 21-year-old Spaniard already boasts 4 Grand Slam titles, while the 23-year-old Sinner has closed the gap with his two titles at the Australian Open and US Open this year.

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The comparisons and rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz have been a hot topic of discussion for the past two years and show no signs of waning. Medvedev shared how his recent match against the world No. 1 changed his view: "I usually think of Jannik Sinner as a bit more consistent, more like a machine, while Carlos Alcaraz is a bit more, you know, swinging with some classy shots."

"But when Carlos is at the top of his game, I consider him slightly better. But we're talking about peak performance. Today I changed my opinion," he added. "I've never played against someone who performed like Jannik Sinner today. It was a tough feeling on the court."

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According to Medvedev, his level of play was not as poor as the score suggests, and it was Sinner's exceptional performance that led to the convincing defeat despite Medvedev’s confidence in his own game: "I was feeling good, I was fighting well, physically I felt good. My tennis wasn't that bad, and I lost easily, which I don't remember the last time this happened. That's how it went."

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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